Every October 10th, World Mental Health Day reminds us to care for our emotional well-being. Mental health awareness keeps growing, yet millions of people still face stigma that stops them from getting help.
This Mental Health Day, we can all help change this. Let’s break down the barriers that keep people from getting mental health support and establish how treatment plays a role in positive perspectives on mental health.
What Is Mental Health Stigma?
Misconceptions around this topic refer to negative attitudes toward people with mental health conditions. It can present itself in different ways and affects everyone differently.
Common Misconceptions
For different mental health conditions, people can carry varying negative and often incorrect notions:
- Depression: “They just need to think positively,” or “They’re being dramatic.”
- Anxiety: “They worry too much,” or “They need to calm down.”
- Bipolar Disorder: “They’re dangerous and unpredictable”
- PTSD: “They should get over it,” or “Only soldiers get PTSD.”
- ADHD: “They’re just lazy,” or “It’s not real.”
Why Mental Health Stigmas Still Exist Today
Mental health awareness has evolved thanks to more openness and recognition initiatives, like World Mental Health Day. Celebrities are more forthcoming about things like therapy. Social media shares mental health resources. Many workplaces now offer wellness programs.
You might wonder how stigma still exists. Some reasons include:
- Differing Generational Views: Older people may hold outdated views. Younger people are often more accepting of therapy and treatment.
- Location and Cultural Nuances: Some communities treat mental and physical health vastly differently. This creates spaces for remaining stigma.
- Old Myths Still Have Influence: Some may think mental health problems can be fixed with willpower alone. This ignores biological, social, and other factors.
Thankfully, each new generation opens up more about mental health. This helps break barriers to care, both physically and personally, encouraging more to seek mental health treatment when needed.
Impact of Stigma Around Mental Health Conditions
Mental health stigmas hurt individuals and whole communities:
| For Individuals | For Communities |
|---|---|
| Longer waits for treatment, worsening symptoms | Untreated conditions limit communities from accessing people’s full potential |
| People are feeling more isolated and alone | Healthcare costs can increase due to untreated conditions |
| In some cases, crises are more likely | More emergency help is needed |
| Life is harder for them and their loved ones | Mental health supports aren’t funded or supported enough |
Mental Health Tips: How to Challenge Stigma
Each person can make an impact on improving the perception of mental health needs. These practical steps help you fight stigma in your daily life:
1. Use Respectful Language
Small changes make a big difference. Avoid phrases like “They’re psycho,” or “That’s so crazy.” Instead, try gentler wording like, “They seem very upset,” or “That’s really surprising.”
2. Listen Without Judgment
When someone shares their mental health struggles, it’s not always best to jump in with solutions right away. Sometimes, someone just needs a listener. Don’t minimize their pain or make assumptions about their needs. Rather, ask how you can help and make them feel safe by thanking them for trusting you with their vulnerability.
3. Challenge Misinformation Respectfully
When you hear stigma around mental health, respond with facts rather than pure emotion. This includes clarifying that depression and other related conditions have biological causes, too. It also involves highlighting therapy as a sign of self-awareness and strength rather than failure.
4. Share Personal Experiences Thoughtfully
If you’re comfortable, sharing your mental health story can play a role in squashing stigma. Normalize talking about therapy like you would about other healthcare. Openly discuss mental health, and spotlight treatment’s role in improving your quality of life.
Building Mental Health Awareness Year-Round
World Mental Health Day brings important focus, but fighting harmful stigma isn’t a short-term mission. There are steps you can take in everyday life to create a lasting effect on safety in mental health.
- Check in with friends and family
- Share correct information and resources
- Practice self-care as an example to others
- Support mental health advocacy in your community
Every conversation creates change. Your openness helps others seek help and normalizes mental healthcare for everyone.
Drift’s Role in Supporting Mental Health
Addressing stigma is a key part of the broader effort in mental health care. At Drift, we offer personalized programs that work with your life:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs for intensive daily support
- Intensive Outpatient Programs that fit around work or school
- Dual diagnosis care for mental health and addiction issues
- Virtual Mental Health Programs through secure telehealth
We blend proven therapies like CBT and DBT with holistic methods like art therapy and meditation. This aims to support the development of coping skills and stronger education about mental health.
Moving Forward Together
Dismantling mental health stigma starts with everyday conversations and actions. Whether you’re helping a loved one, speaking up in your community, or managing your own mental health, your voice matters.
At Drift, we know that creating safe spaces for mental health talks is essential. Call 719-800-9371 to find out more about strengthening your or your family’s mental health.
