What is Stigma?
Stigma is defined as the negative biases, beliefs, assumptions, or discriminatory attitudes that the public or an individual places on a particular society, group of people, or themselves. It is when a group of individuals, the public, culture, or an individual views others or themselves in a negative light based on certain attributes, values, beliefs, or characteristics they hold or identify with. In the field of mental health and wellness, stigma continues to exist.
Adverse Effects of Stigma on Mental Health
Recent studies have noted slight improvements in public beliefs and perceptions regarding mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, etc., due to age, cultural shifts, and generational shifts in society (Pescosolido et al., 2021). However, the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness continues to be a significant issue prevalent in the present day (Pescosolido et al., 2021). The societal stigma surrounding mental health and illness has had harmful effects on the population as a whole and those experiencing mental health concerns. It has interfered with seeking help and beginning therapeutic journeys, support, effectiveness in the workplace, productivity, mental health resources, and treatment progress and outcomes (Pescosolido et al., 2021). Social or societal stigma has also been noted to reduce the overall well-being of individuals experiencing mental health concerns and, in many cases, worsen the symptoms and outcomes of those with mental health concerns (Pescosolido et al., 2021). In addition to social stigma, self-stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness can also be identified in today’s society. Many individuals may internalize the societal stigma placed on mental health, wellness, and seeking help. This can lead to decreased self-esteem and hope (Lucksted & Drapalski, 2015). Furthermore, self-stigma can increase the risk of resistance, avoidance, and hesitancy to seek support from friends, family, coworkers, and professional help from psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers (Lucksted & Drapalski, 2015). With this, by internalizing the societal stigma placed on mental illness, those experiencing mental health concerns may experience a worsening of symptoms, creating a negative cycle, reducing self-esteem and increasing self-blame.
Overcoming The Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
The development and maintenance of stigma reduction programs is paramount to mental health and well-being in society. Recent studies conducted by Kosyluk and colleagues (2016) and Stuart (2016) have indicated the need for more training and educational programs surrounding mental health to be implemented in community and educational settings. This is to help reduce stigma, prejudice, and discrimination surrounding mental illness and psychotherapy and increase treatment support programs, treatment resources and mental health awareness within the population (Kosyluk et al., 2016; Stuart, 2016). In addition, implementing awareness programs and advocating for clients or those experiencing mental health concerns is crucial for the prevention and resolution of stigma surrounding mental illness, and to tear down the barriers some individuals may face to mental health support and treatment (Kosyluk et al., 2016; Stuart, 2016).
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns or needs someone to talk to, you are not alone. We have a welcoming team of passionate, kind, and empathetic psychotherapists who can help you along your healing journey. If you are looking to begin your healing journey today, please get in touch with us at 647-255-8458
References
Kosyluk, K. A., Al-Khouja, M., Bink, A., Buchholz, B., Ellefson, S., Fokuo, K., ... & Corrigan,
P. W. (2016). Challenging the stigma of mental illness among college students. Journal of
Adolescent Health, 59(3), 325-331.
Lucksted, A., & Drapalski, A. L. (2015). Self-stigma regarding mental illness: Definition,
impact, and relationship to societal stigma. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(2),
Pescosolido, B. A., Halpern-Manners, A., Luo, L., & Perry, B. (2021). Trends in public stigma of
mental illness in the US, 1996-2018. JAMA network open, 4(12), e2140202-e2140202.
Stuart, H. (2016). Reducing the stigma of mental illness. Global Mental Health, 3, e17.
Comments