May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. To raise awareness, this blog discusses some mental health stigmas and offers a message of hope. Note: I am not a mental health professional in any way. I am an advocate and ally.
Despite enormous progress in normalizing mental health issues, many people worldwide still experience intense stigmas that prevent them from coming forward about their struggles. Repressing issues and failing to seek necessary help can lead to a worsening of symptoms that costs people their lives. One of the most supportive things we can do is normalize talking about problems so that people don’t have to feel shame and stigma for their mental health struggles. It’s also necessary for people to educate themselves about mental health issues so that we do not perpetuate damaging misconceptions.
Persisting Stigmas
Many people remain silent about their mental health struggles due to persisting stigma. Stigma causes people to hide their pain out of fear of a negative perception. For example, some males may not come forward about their depression because they fear they will not be viewed as “manly” by their peers if they are vulnerable. People strengthen stigmas with seemingly harmless jokes and comments that enforce fears for others. That’s why it’s necessary to always take mental health seriously and be conscious that you are not contributing to words or behavior that cause people to feel alienated for their struggles.
Many people fear opening up about their mental illnesses because they do not want to be characterized by their struggles. Mental illness is also frequently falsely portrayed in the media. This leads to people not wanting to be associated with inaccurate representations. Stigmas can cause intense feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness. They can cause people to feel like they are misunderstood and have nowhere to turn. Isolation is a dangerous and devastating position to be in that can make people miss out on potentially life-saving treatment.
Be An Ally
The majority of people will deal with some form of mental health issues in their lifetime. Though problems will pass for many people, some people will fight mental health issues for far longer. Even if you have not personally experienced mental health problems, there is a strong chance you know someone who does. That’s why it is essential to be an ally and create safe spaces where people can open up and not feel judged. Though many of us are not qualified to help people with serious issues, we can pass along resources. In many cases, simply listening to someone who is dealing with a mental health problem can provide comfort.
Don’t worry about saying the right thing. The truth is that nothing you can say will cure someone’s problems. However, the power of providing a compassionate and non-judgmental shoulder to lean on can have enormous supportive effects. Let people you love know that they are not alone and that you are there to listen and offer companionship. Speak out against negative perceptions of mental illness and correct people politely and educationally when they reveal ignorance or bias. Look for changes in your friends and loved ones and normalize discussing problems and talking about feelings. Don’t take on the burden of trying to cure someone else’s problems, but do be there for the people you care about.
Common Misconceptions
Many mental illnesses are inaccurately portrayed in the media, which causes people to have false conceptions. To help bring awareness, it’s necessary to address some persisting mental health myths that are damaging.
MYTH: People with borderline personality disorder are not capable of loving others.
TRUTH: Borderline personality disorder remains one of the most stigmatized mental health disorders. Much of the common knowledge about this mental health disorder is entirely false. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions. However, they are absolutely capable of loving others and being loved. In fact, people with BPD are often extremely loving, caring, and empathetic humans. They frequently have an even deeper capacity to care for people around them and be in touch with other people’s emotions.
Break down some stigmas about BPD here.
MYTH: People with schizophrenia are dangerous and violent.
TRUTH: Schizophrenia is another mental illness that many people do not accurately understand. Schizophrenia can cause people to experience delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thoughts. However, having schizophrenia is in no way synonymous with being a violent person. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can be treated so that individuals can have stable and functional lives. Schizophrenia alone does not make a person violent. The media often inaccurately portrays this disorder for cheap and offensive plot twists and villain reveals, but don’t allow poor representation to alter your opinions.
Break down some stigmas about schizophrenia here.
MYTH: People with bipolar disorder all experience the same symptoms of mania and depression.
TRUTH: Mental illness is something that varies for individuals. Some people check off all criteria for a mental illness, while others see their symptoms vary, change, and shift. People who are diagnosed with a particular mental illness should not be classified by everything you read online. Bipolar disorder can vary drastically from person to person. People who have bipolar 1 disorder cope with both mania and depression, while bipolar 2 disorder mainly deals with depression. However, symptoms and severity still vary for individuals.
Break down some stigmas about bipolar disorder here.
MYTH: People with depression need to try harder to be happy.
TRUTH: People who have not experienced depression can have no idea about how devastating the effects can be. Misunderstanding can cause people to falsely believe depression is something people bring on themselves by having a bad attitude. Depression is not something that we cause, nor can people with depression cure their mental illness by simply trying to be happier. Depression is not a problem that can be overcome by simply smiling more. In many cases, people with depression lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Fortunately, a combination of therapy and medication can often help people overcome depression.
Break down some stigmas about depression here.
Overcoming Stigma
If you are dealing with mental health issues, know that you are not alone. The majority of the people in the world will experience a mental health issue at some point. You do not have to feel ashamed because you are dealing with struggles, even if they are persistent. Do not consider yourself lesser than anyone else because of your issues or compare yourself to other people. Stigmas and misconceptions should not infiltrate your opinion of yourself. As hard as it is, avoid taking stigmas personally. They are not a direct insult but come from a place of ignorance and a lack of understanding in others.
Above all, remember that you are more than your illness. Yes, mental health issues can take an enormous toll on our lives and affect how we think and operate. However, they do not define us. Don’t allow shame, fear, and isolation to alter your life and sense of self. You deserve to be a part of the world and seek the help you need. Find people who will support you and accept you for who you are. Seek the treatment you require and know that you deserve to live your life free of shame and fear. You are worthy of living a beautiful and full life no matter the issues you are dealing with.
Source: Stigma, discrimination and mental illness
FURTHER SOURCES
Healthline: Mental Health Resources
National Institute of Mental Health: Help for Mental Illnesses
Mental Health First Aid: Mental Health Resources (United States)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (United States)
European Alliance Against Depression