Introduction
Mental health is something that we need to talk about more. We all have our own struggles and battles, but they are often times not discussed because of the stigma surrounding mental health. The stigma around mental health is preventing people from seeking treatment, which can lead to a higher suicide rate.
Stigma
Stigma is a negative, often unwarranted judgment that someone or something is inferior or unacceptable.
It’s impossible to describe the effects of stigma on our society without talking about how it affects people who have mental health issues. Stigma can make it difficult for people with depression or anxiety disorders to get help, and even harder for them to recover from those illnesses after treatment.
Types of the stigma
- Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.
- It can be defined as the process of labeling and treating people differentially because they have a mental illness.
Self stigma
Self-stigma is a feeling of self-dislike or shame which can occur when someone identifies as having a mental health problem. Self-stigmatization can also be experienced by people who are not experiencing mental health problems, but think that they may in the future.
Self stigma is a common feeling among people with mental health problems and can be worsened by societal stigma attaching to those suffering from mental illness. Research suggests that the main source of self stigma is difficulty accepting one’s own diagnosis or identity, rather than perceiving oneself as inferior to others due to their condition (known as perceived stigma).
Cultural stigma
The stigma around mental health is a hindrance to the people who have a mental illness, as well as their loved ones. It can lead to discrimination and prejudice, resulting in social exclusion from society. In extreme cases, it can even lead to suicide or homicide.
Stigma occurs when people with mental illnesses are viewed negatively by society as a whole. This negative attitude may be due to ignorance about what it means to live with a mental illness or other conditions that affect the brain and result in behavioral changes such as depression or schizophrenia (Schizophrenia).
Social stigma
Social stigma is the most common type of stigma and involves negative stereotypes, prejudices, and beliefs about people with mental health conditions. Examples include:
- “people with mental illness are dangerous”
- “people with mental illness aren’t trustworthy”
- “if you have a mental illness you can never get better or recover from it”
Don’t be embarrassed to talk about your mental health, it’s necessary for a better society for all.
Still, there’s a stigma surrounding mental health and the effects it has on our society. We often don’t talk about it or even recognize that we should be talking about it until someone close to us is experiencing a mental illness or if we ourselves are struggling with one.
But talking openly and honestly about mental health is necessary for a better society for all. The more you talk about your own experiences, the easier it will be for others to do so as well. And this may not only help you but also someone else in need.
Conclusion
Mental health is a serious issue, it’s not something you should be afraid to talk about. You are not alone and there are people out there who can help you get the treatment that you need. If you think that you might have a mental illness please seek medical attention immediately before things get worse.
