The Stigma Around Mental Illness and How to Break it
- themidnightmagazin
- Apr 30, 2021
- 2 min read
By: Niala S.
Learn about mental illness stigma and steps that you can take to help overcome this worldwide issue.
COVID-19 has impacted billions around the world. Never-ending lockdowns, self-isolation, everything being virtual, and being separated from loved ones have taken a toll on everyone's mental health. During these times, it’s essential to reach out for help when you’re struggling. Although, the stigma behind mental illness may prevent certain individuals from asking for help and accepting their illness or struggle. This would be referred to as self-stigma. Social and professional stigmas are when an individual is discriminated against or treated differently because of their mental illness.
You may be asking what exactly is a mental health stigma? Well, a mental health stigma is when you view yourself or someone negatively views you because of your illness. Society makes it seem as though individuals with a mental illness are at a disadvantage compared to others which lead people into a negative attitude towards mental illness which leads to another problem; the stigma of mental illness. It’s important to acknowledge the stigma worldwide and focus on a collective effort to break this stigma.
To diminish self-stigma it’s important to take the first step and ask for help and the support you need. Recognizing that asking for help is a sign of strength instead of a sign of weakness is essential for breaking self-stigma and destroying self-judgment. After gaining the proper medical support, reaching out to friends, family, and support groups will allow you to acknowledge and accept your mental illness and help reduce your self-stigma. Lastly, instead of calling yourself an illness, say you have an illness. For example, instead of saying “I’m depressed,” say “I have depression.” These changes will help remove your negative views of your illness and diminish your self-stigma.
Some of you may be wondering how to reduce social and professional stigma and how to help others diminish their self-stigma. Well, speaking out against this stigma is the best way to break it. Using social media, school events and other tools to raise awareness about this stigma will educate society and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
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