Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma Together

Being part of a society that consists of diverse people has always been a work in progress. As social animals, it is always heartbreaking to be isolated in shame and discriminated against for things that are out of control of the individual, like one’s mental health.

Stigma is such a corroding aspect of society that perpetuates not only misinformation but hinders collective efforts to address these issues promptly.

Being part of a society that consists of diverse people has always been a work in progress. As social animals, it is always heartbreaking to be isolated in shame and discriminated against for things that are out of control of the individual, like one’s mental health.

Stigma is such a corroding aspect of society that perpetuates not only misinformation but hinders collective efforts to address these issues promptly.

Being part of a society that consists of diverse people has always been a work in progress. As social animals, it is always heartbreaking to be isolated in shame and discriminated against for things that are out of control of the individual, like one’s mental health.

Stigma is such a corroding aspect of society that perpetuates not only misinformation but hinders collective efforts to address these issues promptly.

Now that we know that Stigma is the big bad, it’s time to deconstruct it and understand it so we can it break it. It usually shows up in three main forms, and each has its own way of influencing people consciously and unconsciously:

Public Stigma: This is when society discriminates and devalues individuals based on mental health conditions. Think about extreme but prevalent stereotypes that paint people with mental health issues as unreliable or dangerous, especially ones such as mood disorders and depression symptoms. These stereotypes can seriously affect job opportunities, housing choices, and even the quality of healthcare someone receives.

Systemic Stigma: This happens when those public stereotypes are embedded in policies and institutional practices. It’s not just about individual attitudes anymore—systemic stigma means whole groups of people face reduced access to care and resources because of laws and organizational rules that reflect extremely biased beliefs. The biases are so pervasive and normalized that they become law.

Self-Stigma: This is when people internalize those negative stereotypes and start doubting their own worth. It’s heartbreaking because it leads to feelings of persistent doubt, hopelessness, and a drop in self-esteem.

Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. By educating yourself about mental health, you gain a deeper understanding of the real challenges people face and the importance of empathy. Sharing this with your friends, family, and colleagues can help them understand the seriousness of these issues as well. The more people know about mental health, the less likely they are to hold stigmatizing views.

Speak Openly About Mental Health: Don’t shy away from discussing mental health issues. It is as normal as talking about a fever since it is just as much an illness as a physical one. The more we talk about mental health, the more we normalize these conversations. This is much more helpful than staying ignorant or worse yet spreading false information. Share your own experiences and listen to others with empathy and without judgment. Open dialogue encourages understanding and makes it easier for those struggling to seek help, knowing they are not alone.

Support Those Who Are Struggling: Offer your support to friends, family members, or colleagues experiencing mental health issues, especially people with anxiety disorders. Sometimes, just being there to listen can make a world of difference. Let them know that it’s okay to seek help and that they have your support. Your understanding and support can help reduce their sense of isolation and provide the encouragement they need to take steps toward recovery.

Challenge Stigmatizing Language and Behaviours: If you hear someone using stigmatizing language or perpetuating myths about mental health, gently correct them. Challenge these attitudes and behaviours in a respectful manner. Explain why their words or actions may be harmful and provide accurate information to counteract the stigma. Help create a more inclusive and understanding society so we can live in harmony without alienating those who are different and feel different.