Mental Health & Stigma

What is Stigma?
What exactly is stigma and why should we care about it?
 Stigma is a form of social discrimination and prejudice. It refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes and beliefs that people have about those who have mental health disorders. Stigma can lead to discrimination and prejudice resulting in negative outcomes for those experiencing mental health issues.
There are seven types of stigmas.
Public stigma
This form of stigma refers to the discriminatory and negative attitudes that people have about mental illness. People believe that those with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, and unpredictable.
Self-stigma
Those with mental health disorders may internalize negative feelings and stereotypes. They could also internalize shame related to their mental health condition. This could result in poor self-esteem and their willingness to seek treatment.
Perceived stigma
This type of stigma is when those with mental health disorders believe that others have negative attitudes and beliefs about people with mental health disorders.
Label avoidance
This form of stigma can be detrimental to the individual who experiences it, as it prevents them from seeking mental health treatment. They do this to avoid a stigmatizing label.
Institutional stigma
This stigma involves government and private policies that limit opportunities for those with mental health disorders. This could result in less opportunities, fewer mental health services, and is also referred to as structural stigma.
Health practitioner stigma
This stigma occurs when the health practitioner’s beliefs or stereotypes interferes with their ability to provide effective care to those with a mental illness. This could negatively affect the patient’s care.
Associative stigma
This stigma affects those connected with individuals with mental health conditions. Friends and family are impacted.  The effects of stigma are extended to those associated with the person with a mental illness. This stigma is also referred to as courtesy stigma.
 
The Impact of Stigma
Unfortunately, there are many personal stories that demonstrate the prevalence of stigma within those with mental health conditions. Mental health disorders can be challenging and difficult to cope with. Having to deal with stigmatism elevates these challenges and presents additional barriers.
Individuals have reported experiences of stigmatism from colleagues, friends, and family members.
While stigma and discrimination both make the situation worse. There is a difference between them. Stigma is when you are seen differently because of your mental illness, and discrimination is when someone treats you differently because of your mental illness.
 
Stigma can be very discouraging and harmful to those experiencing it and it can have  negative effects including.

• Feelings of shame.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Isolation.
• Reluctance to seek help and treatment.
• Lack of social interactions.
• Fewer employment opportunities.
• Harassment and bullying.
• Lack of understanding from family, friends, and colleagues.
• Self-doubt.

 
Stigma and Mental Health Wellness
Stigma, like mental illness, is difficult to talk about sometimes. This is somewhat hard to understand, as a growing number of people are experiencing a deterioration in their mental health. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  mental illness is now one of the most common health conditions in the United States.  It is estimated that more than 50% of adults in the United States will need treatment for a mental health disorder during their lifetime. It is hard to understand why stigma would continue to exist with that number of people experiencing some form of mental health challenge.
But it does.
Unfortunately, stigma has been common in our society. Also, because it has been a part of our society for so long, it can be difficult to get rid of.
So, what can we do to change this way of thinking and decrease this negative and unfair attitude toward those with mental health challenges.  These steps have been found to be helpful in reducing stigma.

• Education: Learn about and help others to learn about the facts of mental health disorders and illness.
• Awareness: Be aware of your own attitudes and behavior. Examine your judgmental thinking; share your awareness and the importance of awareness with others.
• Think about your words: How we speak can impact the attitudes of others.
• Focus on the positive: Mental illness is only part of someone’s bigger picture.
• Support and encourage others: Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• Share stories.
• Don’t be afraid to talk: Ask people if they are OK.

The only thing that will put an end to stigma is people, and their wiliness to talk and share about mental health experiences.
Resources
The severity of this issue has not gone unnoticed, and resources are available to increase education, provide support and encouragement, and contribute to the movement to end stigma. These are just a few of the organizations that have been leaders in advocating for change.
Bring Change 2 Mind: This organization promotes removing misconceptions about mental illness and stopping stigma.
Stigma-Free Society: This organization offers educational tools promoting awareness of stigma.
NAMI: The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information on stigma and encourages everyone to become a stigma free partner and take the pledge.
Nostigmas: This organization is committed to eliminating stigmas surrounding mental health. They are a safe space for those who lives are affected by mental illness.
 
Mental Wellness Month
January is Mental Wellness Month, with the focus of bringing awareness to mental health disorders, getting rid of stigma, and encouraging good mental health for everyone. Everyone is encouraged to participate in improving mental health for themselves and others. Some ways to do this are:

• Start a conversation with someone about mental health.
• Volunteer at a local mental health center, shelter, or food shelf.
• Take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health.
• Start a gratitude journal and write down what you are thankful for.
• Learn a new hobby.
• Do something that makes you happy.
• Join a social media group for mental health awareness.
• Focus on your own well-being.
• Work on your Emotional Balance.

By taking care of yourself and your own mental health, you can also help others to do the same. Mental wellness is important, and not just in January. Our mental health and mental wellness are something we should focus on every month of the year. Have a wonderful year and focus on what is most important, you and your mental wellness!
 
                                                                                                            Peggy Fossen, DNP, RN, CNE
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References
 
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 25). About mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm Department of Health & Human Services. (2015, September 18).
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Mental Health Advocacy & Suicide Awareness. NoStigmas. (n.d.). https://nostigmas.org/
Pledge to be StigmaFree: Nami: National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI. (n.d.).
See Me. (n.d.). Personal stories: End mental health stigma and discrimination. https://www.seemescotland.org/stigma-discrimination/personal-stories
Stigma and discrimination. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/stigma-and-discrimination
Stigma-free society: Awareness. understanding. acceptance. Stigma Free Society. (2023, December 4). https://stigmafreesociety.com/
Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness. Psychiatry.org - Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination
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Wignall, N. (2023, November 6). 4 habits of emotionally balanced people. Medium. https://nickwignall.medium.com/4-habits-of-emotionally-balanced-people-4342d00f5b1f