Stigma is a loaded word with cultural and social implications that influence both the societies they are rooted in and the inner-world of each of us. We all have a relationship with stigma and a response to stigma, as experienced, perceived and processed both on a personal and societal level.
Stigma is divided into two groups: social stigma, that is the discrimination and prejudice attitudes towards people with mental health problems and self-stigma, or perceived stigma, the internalizing of mental health issues with perceptions of this discrimination (Link, Cullen, Struening & Shrout, 1989). Perception of stigma can have profound impacts of shame and lead to poorer outcomes (Perlick, Rosenheck, Clarkin, Sirey et al., 2001).
According to CDC Statistics from July 2018, about half of people in US are estimated to have a diagnosable mental illness during some point in their lives. So, if the majority of people face mental health conditions, over 160 million people in the US alone, what can we do to eliminate stigma and challenge how we help others feel connectedness as well, whether it relates to our personal experiences or not?
Listening to others and leaning into mental health stories is an important component of providing tangible support for others. Moreover, supporting causes like NAMI and other organizations that empower individuals struggling with mental health issues, is also key for changing our social perception.
Healing from stigma requires more than addressing the needs of individuals who are affected, it requires us to change public attitudes. Discrimination is at its core, rooted in injustice, and to address the way we look at and support mental health struggles, necessitates that we approach the issue in a way that responds to the way it impacts us each, on a personal and societal level.
I encourage you to reach out to trusted friends and family and give intention to discussing these subjects. Also, make one goal this year to support a mental health cause that is near and dear to your heart—consider that each small intentional effort makes a difference. Challenge the silence and be willing to discuss these often difficult to talk about subjects—you may just find that by doing so, you may create the positive momentum to empower someone else to do the same.