The term stigma is used to refer to unfairly negative attitudes or beliefs that result in prejudice and discrimination. With regard to mental health disorders, stigma involves the idea that such illnesses are shameful, embarrassing, and weak. This can cause people who are suffering from mental illness to feel judged or discriminated against by those who do not understand their experiences.
Stigma is well recognized as a barrier to mental health care. Instead of reaching out to seek the care they need, people with mental health concerns may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism to self-medicate their symptoms. Over time, this can lead to the development of a substance use disorder that exacerbates pre-existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Understanding Why Mental Health Disorders Are Stigmatized
Stigma comes in many forms. Here are just a few examples of the harmful stigma surrounding mental health disorders:
- Believing that individuals with mental illness are “crazy” or dangerous
- Assuming that people with mental illness should be able to “just get over it” without seeking help
- Sweeping mental health issues under the rug and avoiding conversations about them
- Disregarding someone’s feelings if they don’t fit the traditional “sad” narrative associated with depression and other mood disorders
- Judging others for needing medication or therapy to manage their symptoms
- Shaming those who seek out professional help as being “weak”
- Using derogatory language when referring to mental illnesses, such as calling someone “crazy” or “nuts”
Mental illnesses are frequently stigmatized because they are invisible. When someone has a physical disability, there are often visible signs of suffering. A person who is struggling with a mental illness may be able to hide their condition from the casual observer.
Additionally, people may judge those with mental illness to distance themselves from the disorder or convince themselves that they are immune from developing their own mental illness. They may act unkindly towards people with mental illnesses because they are also struggling with mental health symptoms and are afraid to seek help.
Coping With Stigma
It’s also important to recognize that mental health disorders are very common and should be taken seriously. With the right treatment, many people can successfully manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. Here are some tips to help you fight the negative effects of mental health stigma so you can get back to making the most of each day.
- Educate yourself. Taking the time to learn about your condition, its causes, and the different treatments available can help you better understand that mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. You can also share what you’ve learned with family and friends.
- Reach out for support. Whether it’s attending group therapy sessions, joining a peer-support network, or finding an online community of individuals facing similar struggles, having someone to talk to about your challenges can go a long way toward improving your overall well-being. Expanding your support system is particularly important if your current social circle is stigmatizing your condition.
- Keep track of your progress. Keeping a journal or log of your mental health can be a helpful way to monitor your progress, better understand how stigma affects your attitude toward recovery, and identify potential triggers that may lead to relapse. When you start to feel frustrated or overwhelmed, your journal can also provide encouragement by showing you concrete proof of how far you’ve come in your journey of self-improvement.
- Don’t disregard the value of alternative therapies. In addition to traditional treatments, there are also a variety of alternative therapies, such as art therapy and music therapy, that can be beneficial in managing symptoms.
- Do something that makes you happy each day. Self-care is not selfish! Take care of yourself by carving out some time each day for relaxation and self-care activities such as reading, listening to music, or going for walks in nature.
- Take care of your physical health. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be hard to stick to a sleep schedule, stay active, and eat balanced meals. However, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep are all essential components of maintaining good physical and mental health.
We’re Here for You
At St. Joseph Institute for Addiction, we are committed to meeting the unique needs of men and women who are seeking treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our experienced, compassionate care team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that heals the mind, body, and spirit while setting the stage for lasting sobriety.
With the right combination of treatments, it is possible to manage your symptoms to live a healthy and happy life. Contact us today to learn more about our Pennsylvania residential addiction treatment program.
