Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness

Stigma is when people think badly of you because of something that they see as negative. Sadly, many people have negative attitudes and beliefs about people who have mental illness. Even the term “mental illness” can add to the stigma. Many people prefer the term “mental health condition.”

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative comment about your mental health condition or treatment. Or it may be subtle or not meant to hurt. For example, someone might avoid you because the person assumes you aren’t stable, or even that you could be violent or dangerous, due to your mental health condition. You may even judge yourself.

Stigma can hurt in these ways:

• It can keep people with mental health conditions from seeking help or treatment.
• It can lessen self-esteem, causing people to believe that they can’t succeed or make their life better.
• It may make it difficult for family, friends, co-workers or others to understand the condition.
• It can be harder for people to find jobs, find housing, go to school or do social activities.
• It can lead to bullying, physical violence or harassment.
• Health insurance may not cover treatment for mental health conditions or may only partly cover it.

Here are some ways you can deal with stigma:

• Make sure you get treatment. Don’t let fear keep you from getting help. Treatment can help you find out what’s causing your symptoms and lessen those that are leading to difficulties in your life.
• Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame. You might think that your condition is a sign of personal weakness, but it’s not. Get counseling and educate yourself about your condition. Connect with others who have a mental health condition like yours. This can help you build self-esteem.
• Don’t stay away from other people. Tell trusted family, friends, clergy or members of your community about your mental health condition. They can offer you support and understanding.
• Don’t think of yourself as your condition. You are not your condition. Say “I have a bipolar condition,” for example, instead of “I’m bipolar.”
• Join a support group. Groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also called NAMI, offer programs and resources that help lessen stigma by teaching people about mental health conditions. Some state and federal programs, such as those that focus on vocational readiness, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer support for people with mental health conditions.
• Get help at school. If a mental health condition affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. In the United States, the law requires schools to help students with mental health conditions. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and resources.
• Get help at work. If a mental health condition affects your work, find out what your workplace can do to help. Many workplaces can adjust your work and offer employee assistance programs.
• Speak out against stigma. Share your opinions at events and online. This can help others and teach the public about mental health conditions.

Judgments by other people often come from not understanding mental health conditions. Learn to accept your condition, look for support, and help teach others about your condition. This can make a big difference in your quality of life.