Destigmatizing Mental Health
To Enhance Well-Being
Stigma is defined as “the negative social attitude attached to a characteristic of an individual that may be regarded as a mental, physical, or social deficiency. A stigma implies social disapproval and can lead unfairly to discrimination against and exclusion of the individual.” (American Psychological Association, 2018).
Mental health stigma, in particular, focuses on negative social attitudes related to mental health conditions. Misconceptions about mental health can perpetuate stigmas.
Let’s break down five common misconceptions.
MYTH #1: Mental health conditions are rare.
The idea that mental health conditions only affect a small fraction of the world’s population is false. A large-scale world study found that one out of every two people will develop a mental health condition at some point in their life. Common conditions included depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol abuse (Harvard Medical School & Queensland Brain Institute, 2023). Mental health conditions affect people from all different backgrounds and life experiences.
MYTH #2: Mental health conditions are a choice.
People do not choose to experience symptoms of a mental health condition. Perpetuating this belief can exacerbate feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Various aspects, from genetic factors to environmental circumstances to brain chemistry impact mental health.
MYTH #3: Seeking mental health support through psychotherapy/counseling indicates weakness.
Values, beliefs, and experiences shape perceptions about mental health care. Some people may believe that going to therapy indicates weakness. Some may experience shame about their mental health condition and not feel comfortable seeking support. While these feelings are valid and can be complicated to navigate, reaching out for support does not make you weak.
Your struggles do not define who you are.
MYTH #4: People who appear happy or functional do not struggle with their mental health.
When it comes to mental health struggles, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all. Everyone manages and responds to personal issues in their own way. Some people may put on a good face while silently suffering. One example is how social media platforms highlight image, which can promote false perceptions and comparisons to others.
MYTH #5: Suffering is inevitable.
Research has shown that people can recover from or effectively manage mental health conditions. There are a myriad of services and interventions that can help treat and address various conditions. Psychotherapy, peer groups, and psychiatric care are just some examples. If access or affordability is a concern, there are a number of free/low-income resources and services (a few are listed at the bottom).
Mental health stigma can show up in various forms on both individual and collective levels. It can materialize as stereotypes in social situations, bullying in a school or work environment, and alienation from family. Individuals may even internalize stigmas and thus experience low self-esteem. Unfair treatment or judgment about personal struggles can prevent individuals from seeking services that could improve their quality of life. Thus, people may feel more isolated or hopeless in their efforts to navigate their conditions on their own. In addition, societal biases carry serious implications correlated with underfunding of mental health services and misallocation of resources.
Mental health stigma is prevalent across populations and cultural contexts. There are layers of complexity, as mental health stigmas can intersect with stigmas regarding cultural identities. For instance, systemic inequality and historical prejudice is linked to mental health barriers in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Racism and discrimination in the healthcare system may deter individuals from seeking professional support.
Discrimination based on gender identity intersects with mental health stigma and treatment disparities. A 2024 survey by The Trevor Project found that 42% of LGBTQ+ youth expressed fear about sharing mental health concerns with someone else. This was cited as the most common reason why LGBTQ+ youth did not receive desired mental health care (The Trevor Project, 2024).
There are many ways to destigmatize mental health as a society. Here are some ways to get started:
Engage in empathetic dialogue about mental health.
Identify the support systems in your life that allow you to comfortably discuss your challenges and emotions and uplift you during tough times.
Foster cultural humility as a health provider.
Advocate for initiatives and programs that support mental health equity.
Read articles, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries that will expand your understanding of mental health. (Be conscious of the source).
Share credible resources pertinent to mental health advocacy/support.
Check out these free/low-cost resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Inclusive Therapists provides various low-cost mental health services such as individual therapy, family counseling, and group support. Committed to culturally responsive client care and social justice. As written on their website, “We center the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Queer, Trans, Nonbinary, Intersex, ACE+ intersections (QTBIPOC). We amplify the voices and expressions of Neurodivergent and Disabled Communities of Color.”
RAINN is an anti-sexual violence organization offering confidential support to survivors as well as public education and advocacy. Includes a free, 24/7 hotline.
The Trevor Project focuses on mental health support and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Free, confidential, 24/7 support for those in crisis.