Combatting the Stigma of Mental Illness

Combatting the Stigma of Mental Illness

The historical stigma of mental illness is challenging to combat. Long-standing myths and misconceptions lead to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against those with a mental health diagnosis. As a result, many people who need treatment don’t get the support they need—and those who do still find it difficult to feel accepted.

At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our caring and compassionate team of mental health professionals is here for you or your loved one. Visit our admissions page today to begin treatment.

What is the Stigma of Mental Illness?

The word stigma means a lack of respect for a person or group of people with a particular quality or characteristic. Thus, the stigma of mental illness refers to a general lack of respect for people with mental illness.

Stigma reduces a person or group to their mental illness without considering all the attributes of the person. In other words, a person is their mental illness, as opposed to a person with a mental illness. Instead of labeling the illness itself, the person is labeled as their illness.

For example, “he is schizo!” versus “he has symptoms of psychosis from schizophrenia.” Additional examples include calling a person “crazy,” “psychotic,” or “loony.”

In addition, perpetuating myths and misconceptions about mental illness is an example of stigma.

Types of Stigma (Stereotypes/Prejudice vs. Discrimination)

There are two main types of stigma: stereotyping/prejudice and discrimination. Generally speaking, stereotypes, which include myths and misconceptions, lead to discriminating behaviors.

1. Stereotypes/Prejudice: A stereotype is a fixed belief about a person or group. It can also be an oversimplified view of a group of people based on shared traits. Another word for this is prejudice—or a preconceived opinion about people that isn’t based on personal experience.
2. Discrimination: Stereotypes and prejudice often lead to discrimination. Discrimination occurs when a person or group is treated poorly compared to others. Examples of mental health discrimination include not renting an apartment to a person or not hiring them solely based on their mental illness.

The stigma of mental illness leads to negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward people with mental health disorders. These attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors harm individuals with mental illnesses.

How Does Stigma Harm People With Mental Illnesses?

A paper published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science in 2023 identifies five ways that stigma harms people with mental illnesses:

#1. Delayed Treatment-Seeking Behavior

Due to stigma, many people with mental health disorders delay getting help. They might worry about how others will treat them if they get a mental health diagnosis. Others put off treatment altogether, which can lead to a mental health crisis and involuntary evaluation under the Florida Baker Act.

In addition, an untreated mental health issue can lead to low self-esteem, legal problems, developing a co-occurring substance use disorder, and relationship issues. All of these issues can lead to worsening mental health and even suicidal behaviors.

#2. Social Isolation and Discrimination

Oftentimes, a person with a mental illness isolates themselves due to the shame of admitting they need help. The historical stigma of mental illness has perpetuated this idea that people need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” Stigma has also created a myth that people with mental illness are “weak” or “flawed.”

Sometimes, family members and loved ones lack empathy for the person struggling due to stigmatizing beliefs. As a result, the person with a mental illness feels alone and like a burden to others.

Furthermore, employers, landlords, and law enforcement officers with negative beliefs about people with mental illnesses often discriminate against them. Unemployment, homelessness, and legal issues lead to further stigmatization and a lack of feeling like a part of the community.

#3. Reduced Treatment Adherence

Stigma doesn’t just delay or inhibit a person seeking treatment. It also affects those who do seek mental health treatment.

Mental health treatment takes time and requires a person to break down their own defenses. So, when a person still carries shame about their mental illness, they are less likely to engage fully in their treatment program. And, they could discontinue their program early out of fear of association with mental health treatment.

Reduced treatment adherence can lead to things like not taking psychiatric medications, refusing to participate in group therapy, or skipping appointments.

#4. Perpetuation of Misconceptions

As mentioned previously, perpetuating mental health misconceptions is an example of stigmatization. Myths and misconceptions about mental illness are harmful, as they lead to negative stereotypes and discrimination. For instance, people with mental illnesses might be viewed as “weak-willed,” “dangerous,” or “unpredictable.”

This hinders public acceptance of people with mental illnesses and reduces societal compassion as a whole. Moreover, these misconceptions influence policy and legislation that otherwise might be helpful. As a result, public mental health services could be underfunded or nonexistent.

#5. Influence of Gender on Stigma

A person’s gender can also influence the impact of stigma in their lives. For example, men might be less willing to seek help if they believe they will appear “weak” in a society that tells men to deal with their problems on their own. Within particular cultural contexts, gender influences mental health stigma differently.

How Can I Combat the Historical Stigma of Mental Illness?

One way to combat the stigma of mental illness is to shift your perspective. You can do this by equating your views on mental illnesses with those on physical illnesses. In other words, think about how you would treat yourself or another person if they had a physical illness instead.

For example, if you were diagnosed with cancer, it’s unlikely that you’d hide your diagnosis from loved ones. Alternatively, if a loved one shared that they have cancer, you wouldn’t doubt the diagnosis or shame them for it. Practicing this can help you shift the way you view mental illnesses.

Additionally, here are more ways to combat the stigma of mental illness: