What is stigma and how does it affect people?
Stigma is a social process, and happens when someone is viewed or treated negatively because they have a trait or characteristic considered negative or different from the “norm.” Stigma can include negative attitudes (stereotypes or prejudices), negative behaviors (discrimination), and even self-stigma, where a person believes these negative stereotypes to be true of themselves.
Stigma toward mental illness is common and has significant negative social and personal consequences for people with mental illness. Stigma may be especially common in BIPOC communities. There are many reasons for this, including real or perceived mistreatment by healthcare providers. Stigma can lead to feelings of shame and unworthiness, isolation and feelings of not belonging, relationship difficulties, not getting needed treatment, and worse mental and physical health outcomes.
However, since stigma is a social process, we have the power to fight it as a community.
Why does mental health stigma happen?
Stigma happens because of misunderstandings, stereotypes, and fear. A major reason for it is the misconception that mental illness is due to personal weakness or failure. And, the media and other sources have stereotyped people who are experiencing mental illness as violent, behaving erratically, and unable to care for themselves. Negative terms like “crazy” and “out of it” have been used to describe people experiencing mental illness, and people with mental illnesses are often defined solely by their mental illness, as if it’s their identity.
BIPOC people may be especially harmed by mental health stigma. Due to having to face racism and other adversities, BIPOC often feel they must be “strong”, and having a mental illness may be seen as weak. Many BIPOC communities have collectivistic values (are more group/ community-oriented) and someone with a mental illness may be seen as different from others in the group. BIPOC often face barriers that prevent them from accessing adequate mental health care and support. Together, stigma and barriers can make getting help less likely, leading to untreated and worsening mental health.
To get a better understanding of stigma, including why it happens, discrimination, and self-stigma, you can visit the resources below.
MYTHS VS FACTS
MYTHS VS FACTS
Since stigma can include stereotypes, it can lead to misunderstanding and misinformation. There are a lot of myths about mental health and illness, and it’s important to learn the facts.
How can I fight stigma?
We’re glad that you’re concerned about mental health stigma and are looking for ways to combat it! It helps to remember that stigma comes from a lack of awareness, misunderstandings, and fear. Learning more about mental health plays an important role. It may be especially helpful to learn about the most common mental health concerns. You could look out for webinars on mental health. And, hearing from people who experience mental illness can be powerful. Learning helps us uncover and challenge our own stigmas and enables us to share information and have conversations with others. The resources below may be helpful for learning more:
NAMI Personal Stories - Hearing from people with lived mental illness experience is the most powerful way to combat stigma. More info
Mental Health Association, New York State - New York’s Mental Health Association offers a free mental health 101 course, along with other resources. More info
NAMI Mental Health Conditions - Article with Information about some of the most common mental illnesses and what they might look like. More info