Addressing Mental Health Stigmas: 6 Ways to Fight Discrimination
Stigmas of any kind typically manifest from a lack of understanding. We frequently see inaccurate representations of people through TV shows, news stations, and online memes.
Oftentimes, people will believe stigmas they see about a group of people they aren’t familiar with, accepting the portrayal as truth.
Negative stigmas against people struggling with their mental health not only affect them, but their family members and others who care about their wellbeing. Seeing a loved one wrestle against discrimination can be challenging as well.
For those facing unfair stigmas, it can make it more difficult for them to improve or move past the issues that are plaguing them.
Discriminatory Stigmas and Their Negative Effects
According to Mental Health America, over half of Americans struggling with mental health never receive help or treatment of any kind due to fear of being unfairly judged.
Commonly, they are afraid of being treated differently within their workplace. Though discrimination can be subtle, it still may be present. (Reference 1)
In one study review, it was found that the public appears to accept mental health diagnoses from a genetic or medical standpoint, but there is still a large number of people who have a negative view of those who carry the burden of a mental illness.
The 3 types of stigma are defined as:
Self — Internalized shame, doubt, and negative connotations about oneself.
Public — Negative thoughts, feelings, and words others have about those with mental illness.
Institutional — Policies, budgeting, and other government or work-led situations that are less inclusive towards those struggling with mental illness.
The Negative Effects of Stigma Discrimination
Per a study done by ScienceDirect, discrimination from stigmas can cause a self-stigmatization that leads to an increase in negative effects and a decrease in the number of people receiving treatment. (Reference 2)
In fact, in a 2020 survey of Americans aged 14 to 22, it was found that approximately 90 percent of those experiencing symptoms of depression were turning to the internet — rather than their in-person peers or local health professionals — for support. This includes following social media accounts, reading blogs, and watching videos of those to which they can relate. (Reference 3)
Other effects one can feel from this discrimination include:
Lowered self-esteem
Increased feeling of hopelessness
Added psychiatric symptoms
Social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships
Struggles with work
Particularly, when it comes to facing stigmas within your workplace, the American Psychological Association (APA) concluded that only one in five employees with a mental illness are comfortable enough to disclose that information to their employer — with the millennial generation being twice as likely to have that conversation versus their baby boomer counterparts.
Even though there are employee assistant programs (EAPs) with many businesses, those that wished to stay silent on the matter disclosed that they were still worried about retaliation — such as termination — if they were to seek help.
On a positive note, most employees surveyed by the APA said that they would be willing to help any coworker struggling if they were aware of the situation.
For employers, here are a few ways you can fight against stigmas in the workplace:
Talk about your commitment — Don’t just bring it up when you know there’s someone struggling. Make it part of your company’s culture.
Create a welcoming environment — Workplace stress is a leading cause of mental decline, so instill value in your employees and train them properly.
Train management — Many symptoms of mental illness can be subtle. By training your management to spot warning signs and address issues privately and promptly, you may be able to help alleviate symptoms — especially if work is what is causing them.
How Can You Combat Unfair Stigmas?
When something does not affect your life directly, it can be difficult to understand its concept. You may subconsciously judge others who are struggling with that issue. Judgment of others who are struggling with said issue may come naturally to you.
Most of the time, with issues we do not fully understand, we get all of our information from hearsay — such as social platforms or media news networks. But in reality, none of what they say is factual. It is merely an opinion.
The best way to address stigma is to know someone personally who is fighting the fight.
Here are six ways you can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health:
Talk openly
The start to understanding anything begins with awareness. If you’re comfortable with it, speak candidly about your experience with mental health struggles. Whether this is with friends and family in person or on social media — be an outlet that people can feel comfortable going to for clarifying questions.
The large number of individuals seeking blogs and other social outlets tells us this: people want to speak to others who can relate. Your openness has the potential to help others experiencing similar feelings.Be honest
Be honest about how you are feeling and the types of treatment you receive or need to receive. Our mental health directly correlates with our physical well-being, so we need to begin normalizing mental health treatment to be on the same level of necessity as physical health.Remain conscious
Remind people that their words matter. Part of bringing awareness surrounding mental illness is reminding people of how things may come off to others. However, remember to remain humble and open-minded — not everyone intends for their comments to be disrespectful.Encourage equality
If you feel as though you or someone else is being discriminated against due to their mental health struggles, encourage some changes to be made by making thoughtful suggestions. Don’t be afraid to speak up on behalf of yourself or others.Show compassion
Whether you need to be kinder to yourself or someone else, be sure to always show compassion on a daily basis, especially in difficult situations. You don’t know what others are going through or their thought process in dealing with issues that arise.Choose empowerment
Make the choice to live an empowered life. Forget what others think and do what is best for you. You’re not at your best if you are constantly looking over your shoulder and feeling judged. (Reference 2)
MHT Is Your Ally
The team here at Mental Health Technologies understands mental illness and the potential discrimination that comes along with it.
That is why we are working to destigmatize mental health conditions and the treatments they require.
With MHT, patients are provided with:
Privacy
Time to think before they answer
Convenient at-home options
For those patients who have experienced discrimination due to the state of their mental health, the ability to answer questions that are of sensitive nature in private — without fear of judgment — can mean the difference between an accurate diagnosis and slipping through the cracks.
On the flip side, for providers, we:
Take the guesswork out of complex diagnoses
Provide a streamlined referral process
Help supplement your income
If you’re interested in learning more about incorporating MHT assessments into your medical office, contact us today and let us tell you how we can help your patients — and practice — succeed.
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