Despite the growing conversation around mental health concerns, stigma or the potential for stigma remains a hindrance to those struggling to be understood in the workplace, with their families, and sometimes even with trusted friends. It can cause people to shut down and endure their experience alone when what is most needed is the caring support of a community. At Columbia Associates, our mental health treatment services are designed to provide compassionate help and effective solutions to those in need.
We help our clients and the general public better understand mental health concerns by educating and debunking common myths about mental health. For more information about our services, call 703.682.8208 today.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma
The stigma surrounding mental health has deep historical roots. Mental health conditions are often not as noticeable as physical conditions and often don’t have the clear causes that physical conditions do. When someone falls or is in a serious accident, for example—it’s quite clear how an injury may result. However, the explanations for mental health concerns likely aren’t as straightforward. Historically, people have relied on euphemisms or tall tales to explain how human behavior that seems to be against the norm has developed. As science has uncovered more of the causes and related factors for mental health issues, however, beliefs have changed. It’s important to note, though, that changes in thinking have been slow, and ideas that stem from fear of the unknown persist today. These misconceptions are what uphold stigma and give rise to discrimination.
The Impact of Stigma Around Mental Health
Even with the education efforts happening around the country, the effects of stigma around mental health remain profound. People with mental health concerns often face judgment and exclusion, which can make them feel even worse. Like most types of stigma, it can lead to unnecessary barriers between people.
Another unfortunate result of stigma is that it can hinder people from getting the help they need to live better lives. According to research, individuals with stigmatized conditions like depression or anxiety are less likely to pursue therapy or medication management. In fact, three in five people with mental health concerns forgo therapeutic support due to the stigma around mental health.1
The spheres of life where people still regularly experience the negative impact of mental health stigma include:
- Employment – People fear telling people in the workplace due to the potential for discrimination. They fear it may hold them back from career opportunities or promotions. Though many employers have policies in place to help support mental health efforts, there is still a substantial resource gap in the workplace.
- Education – Students can face ridicule at school, which can deter them from seeking accommodations that might otherwise be very helpful to their performance in the classroom.
- Healthcare – Some people may refrain from disclosing a mental health diagnosis for fear that they won’t be taken seriously when it comes to their physical health concerns. Physician bias can also lead to misdiagnosis.
- Social relationships – Friends, family members, and potential romantic partners may be judgmental, which can cause people not to share what they’re experiencing and diminish the potential for meaningful connection.
- Criminal justice system – People with mental health conditions can be incarcerated and punished punitively rather than given opportunities for intensive therapeutic treatment they need to rehabilitate themselves.
- Media representation – Negative or inaccurate portrayals of mental health issues in media or entertainment can reinforce untrue stereotypes.
It’s clear from these examples that there’s still a significant amount of work to be done when it comes to educating the public about mental health.
Become a Part of the Solution to Mental Health Stigma
Building awareness around a social problem is typically the first step to breaking down barriers. Here are a few ways that you can be a part of the solution when it comes to eliminating mental health stigma:
Tips for Eliminating Mental Health Stigma:
1. Promote education and awareness
Increase understanding of mental health concerns by sharing only accurate information and reliable resources. Encourage the communities you’re a part of, like schools, workplaces, and communities, to host workshops or seminars focused on dispelling myths.
2. Encourage open conversations
Make people feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear. Encourage sharing personal experiences by sharing your own and listen empathetically to others. Doing this will help to normalize conversations around mental health.
3. Use conscious language
Be mindful of the words you use when discussing mental health. Avoid stigmatizing terms and instead use language that is respectful and person-first, such as “person living with a mental health condition” rather than “mentally ill.”
4. Support advocacy and policy change
Offer support to organizations that advocate for mental health education and rights. This can help with any needed policy adjustments that increase access to care and build systemic change.
5. Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions
Be brave enough to challenge and correct stereotypes or misconceptions when they’re shared in front of you. This might include speaking up when you hear stigmatizing comments or sharing factual information when someone says something untrue.
6. Foster inclusive environments
Encourage inclusivity in educational and professional settings by developing policies that support mental health. This can include providing mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, including flexible paid time off, and promoting a culture of empathy.
Education and awareness are important tools in reducing mental health stigma. By encouraging open conversations and educating ourselves, we can challenge any misconceptions and help eliminate the stigma around mental health.
How Columbia Associates Can Help
Columbia Associates is committed to providing expert support for those facing mental health challenges. Our experienced team of professionals offers a range of personalized care approaches uniquely tailored to each client’s needs. From therapy sessions to psychiatric medication management, we ensure our clients receive the highest quality care.
Call Columbia Associates Today for Mental Health Treatment
By breaking down barriers and promoting education and awareness, we can create a culture where individuals feel empowered to get the help they need in order to thrive. At Columbia Associates, we are dedicated to supporting your mental health journey. If you or someone you know is affected by mental health stigma, reach out for the support you need by calling 703.682.8208.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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