by Natalie Schrader
NAMI Mercer Intern
In a world that is always progressing and trying to be better, mental health stigma is a harmful force that lurks in the shadows. Stigma can prevent millions from seeking the help they need. Let’s discuss some ways to understand stigma’s impact and embrace diversity. Stigma surrounding mental health shows up in many forms: misunderstandings, stereotypes, and discrimination.
This type of judgment can often negatively affect open conversations and perpetuate a culture of silence around mental health issues. Words matter, the language we use can either push stigma or contribute to its dismantling. It is crucial to choose words carefully, avoiding derogatory terms and embracing person- first language that acknowledges the individual beyond their condition. Educating yourself can become a potent weapon against stigma. By educating oneself, a person become more aware of the roots of myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health. This can help build and understanding about certain mental health conditions and seeking help is a display of courage, not weakness.
Types of Stigma
Self-Stigma: Self- stigma also known as internalized stigma, occurs when individuals with mental health conditions internalize the negative beliefs and attitudes held by society. This can lead to feelings of shame, lowered self-esteem, and reluctance to seek help or disclose ones conditions.
Courtesy Stigma: Courtesy stigma is the stigma faced by individuals due to their association or connection with someone who has mental health conditions. This can affect family members, friends or colleagues who may experience discrimination or negative attitudes because of their relationship with someone who has a mental health challenge.
Societal Stigma: Societal stigma encompasses the broader societal attitudes, beliefs, and norms regarding mental health. It includes the collective prejudices, biases and discriminatory practices within the culture that contributes to the marginalization of individuals with mental health conditions.
Religious Stigma: Religious stigma involves negative attitudes and discrimination based on religious beliefs. Individuals with mental health conditions may experience stigma from with in or outside of the religious community, impacting their sense of belonging and acceptance.
Ways to Take Care of Yourself While Fighting Stigma
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Doing 10 minute-30 minutes meditations can help us become more mindful in our everyday lives. Meditation can look like a lot of different things. Something as simple as laying down and closing your eyes while doing breathing techniques can help relieve stress and anxiety from the day.
- Journaling: Journaling to express thoughts and feelings from day to day can help a person not hold on to feelings about situations that are out of their own control. It is a place to be honest with yourself without any judgement from an outside source.
- Check in with Emotions: regularly checking in and assessing emotions can help someone reflect on what they are feeling in that moment. If an individual were to do this throughout the day, it becomes easier to not only name what they’re feeling but understand how to cope with changing emotions and plan future coping skills.
- Celebrate Achievements: celebrating achievements, no matter how small it might feel, can really help an person understand that big wins don’t come every day but little ones do.