Photo by Emily Underworld from Unsplash
I recently listened to a webinar about mental health stigma which covered all of the common signs associated with mental health stigma. Mental health stigma involves stereotyping or viewing someone in a negative light because you have a different characteristic that’s thought to be a disadvantage. It could lead to discrimination and possibly physical violence. As we approach another new year, let’s work hard to fight mental health stigma. Here’s how we can do it.
Openly Talk About Mental Health
It’s vital that we talk openly about what’s going on with us. Sometimes people, especially in the African-American community, find it hard to do this. They may think that there isn’t anything wrong with them. They may be in denial. This could lead them to hold their problems in front of people they care about.
Being more open about what’s going on with you internally could lead to fighting mental health stigma. Don’t isolate yourself if you’re dealing with a mental health problem. You may also help the next person deal with the same problem.
Be Aware of Your Language
When describing certain mental illnesses or conditions, it’s important to watch what we say. Refrain from referring to mental disorders as adjectives. This means to not use a mental disorder to describe a person, place or thing. One good example is referring to the changing weather we are experiencing as “bipolar weather.” Another good example is describing a person as a “psycho” because they did some questionable things. These are very insensitive comments to describe these conditions and we must be careful with what we say. Never treat serious mental disorders as a joke. Instead, practice more positive language for yourself and for others.
Be Honest About Seeking Help
As was mentioned earlier, getting out of denial is a big way to fight against mental health stigma. This all starts with being honest with yourself. Become more aware of abnormal changes in your behavior. Don’t allow stigma to create shame that you’ve been experiencing signs of a condition. It’s okay to seek help when you can’t control it on your own. When you start to seek help, don’t be ashamed about telling people close to you that you’ve been seeking some form of counseling. Your condition is not a sign of personal weakness.
Knowledge Is Power
It’s also very important that we educate ourselves about mental health disorders. Educating ourselves helps break down the walls of mental health stigma. Research your behavioral changes and symptoms. False rumors or beliefs about mental health cause a lot of misunderstandings. For example: If you are bipolar, the misconception about you is you’re a little weird or crazy. Doing research helps clear up those misunderstandings which are usually offensive.
Educating yourself also allows you to educate others. One woman shared that when she hears an offensive conversation about a mental disorder, she uses that as a learning opportunity to kindly intervene and educate people. She specifically shares how this makes her feel and that this talk only adds to the stigma. Let’s be like this woman and educate others about offensive mental disorder remarks.
You Are Not Your Illness
The final important thing to know is that you are not your illness. Just because you have a diagnosis doesn’t mean you are a diagnosis. This is considered destructively judging yourself. If you are diagnosed with bipolar disease, try stating, “I have bipolar disease,” instead of saying, “I am bipolar.” This is less offensive and stigmatizing.
We at Step Up for Mental Health can also educate you about fighting mental health stigma. Visit our Contact Us page and someone will respond to your issues as soon as possible.
Community Series – Mental Health Book Club: What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
