Start the new year by eliminating stigma regarding mental health

Stigma. It often involves inaccurate stereotypes. Negative attitudes, prejudice and false beliefs create stigma in mental health.

Assigning people with certain traits that have a mental health disorder can have serious harmful effects on their mental health and wellbeing. When someone is facing the challenges of a mental health disorder, and adding someone’s negative reactions to it, this adds nothing but additional pain. Stigma surrounding mental health disorders can include social exclusion and isolation, decreased self-esteem, discrimination, lack of support in their community, difficulty finding educational and occupational opportunities and limited access to quality health care.

The most significant consequence of stigma surrounding mental health, is that people do not get the help that they need. Fewer than half of the people with a mental health disorder get treatment. It is so incredibly sad that people are afraid to disclose they are struggling with a mental health issue. The reality is, people with mental health issues often resort to self-medicating, creating additional issues for them. Mental health stigma can also create physical issues that impact overall health. Over time, this can increase chronic diseases and poor health.

So, how do we fight this stigma and the terrible impact it has? One way is to avoid labels. Instead of stating “she’s bipolar,” for example, state, “she has bipolar disorder.” This changes the way we refer to individuals with a mental health disorder and removes the label that would otherwise define them.

Also, a huge way to remove the stigma is to educate yourself. If you know someone with depression, educate yourself on depression, how to treat depression, and ways to provide reassurance, support and acceptance to that person. That would be the same with any mental health disorder, not just depression. BE that safe person that someone feels comfortable talking to and sharing with. Be willing to listen. By destigmatizing these issues, the individual can seek early intervention before their issues become more severe.

We all can work together to create change by acknowledging the prevalence of mental health issues in our society and letting go of inaccurate ideas about mental health. As we collectively shift our attitudes toward those with mental health challenges, we are reducing mental health stigma. As a result, of this, more people will get the help they need to recover and live full, healthy lives.

As the new year approaches, make this a commitment for the coming year. Be a voice to normalize getting help, reaching out and supporting those who struggle with mental health related issues. Be that safe individual that someone can reach out to. In doing so, you literally could save a life.