Introduction
Welcome to a series of 2 blogs that’s dedicated to opening up conversations about something that affects us all: mental health. In a world where understanding each other is key, “Casting Light on Shadows: Dismantling Mental Health Stigma” aims to shine a light on an issue that often remains in the shadows.
We all have mental health, just like we have physical health. But sometimes, talking about how we feel on the inside can be tough. That’s where the problem starts. Myths, misunderstandings and old ideas can create a wall between ourselves and the help we need or the support we can give.
In this blog, we’re going to break that wall down. We’ll talk about what mental health stigma is and why it’s important to get rid of it. Most importantly, we’ll learn how to be there for each other, creating a world where we can all be open about our feelings without fear.
So, let’s step into the light together. Let’s challenge the old ways of thinking and make room for understanding, compassion, and real change. Welcome to a space where shadows are replaced by empathy, where silence is replaced by conversation, and where mental health stigma is dismantled piece by piece.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma
A formal definition of stigma from the Britannica Dictionary states that it is “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something”.
As a (very brief) and potted history, stigma started to appear in the Dark Ages when it was attributed to supernatural forces and treated with bloodletting. In the 16th Century asylums were created to house the “undesirables”, by the 18th Century the Victorians had a developed a more humane approach to treatment. However, the echoes of the historic stigma remain with us today.
Impact of Mental Health Conditions
The impact of a mental health condition on an individual can indeed vary widely, but it often carries significant and sometimes extremely detrimental consequences. Here are some examples of the negative impact that individuals with mental health conditions may experience when seeking help and recovery:
Reduced Self-Esteem: Experiencing the stigma around mental health conditions can erode an individual’s self-esteem. Feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, or self-blame can be extensive, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth. When seeking help, individuals may grapple with shame or guilt, which can further lower their self-esteem.
Reinforcement of Negative Self-Image: People with mental health conditions may already have a negative self-image. The prospect of seeking help can sometimes reinforce this negative self-perception, as they may feel that acknowledging their condition implies there is something inherently wrong with them. This can hinder their self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Possibility of Causing an Additional Mental Health Condition: The stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions can contribute to the development of additional mental health issues. For example, the stress and anxiety resulting from societal prejudice can worsen symptoms or lead to the development of additional conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
Worsening of Symptoms: The stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health can aggravate an individual’s symptoms. When people are made to feel ashamed or are excluded due to their condition, it can increase their stress levels, trigger anxiety or depression, and intensify the symptoms they are already experiencing.
Delay or Prevent Access to Help: One of the most harmful consequences of stigma is that it often delays or prevents individuals from seeking help. Fear of judgment or discrimination can discourage people from reaching out to healthcare professionals or seeking treatment. This can lead to a prolonged period of suffering and may allow the condition to worsen over time.
Social Isolation: Stigma can also result in social isolation, as individuals with mental health conditions may withdraw from social interactions out of fear of being judged or rejected. This isolation can heighten feelings of loneliness and depression, hindering recovery efforts.
Impact on Relationships: Stigma can strain relationships with family and friends. Misunderstanding and judgment from loved ones can create emotional distance and further isolate the individual, making it more challenging to build a support system during recovery.
Employment and Educational Challenges: Stigmatisation in the workplace or at educational institutions can lead to discrimination and hinder career prospects or academic advancement. This can have long-term financial and personal consequences.
It is essential to recognise that these negative impacts are not inherent to mental health conditions themselves, but are often the result of society‘s attitudes and stereotypes.
To mitigate these detrimental effects, it is crucial to combat stigma, promote mental health awareness, and foster a supportive and empathetic environment where individuals feel safe seeking help and pursuing their path to recovery. Reducing stigma can help alleviate many of the barriers and negative consequences associated with mental health conditions.
The Power of Language:
Using respectful and non-stigmatising language when discussing mental health is of paramount importance for several reasons:
Reduces Stigma: Stigmatising language perpetuates stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health conditions. This can lead to discrimination, shame, and reluctance to seek help. Respectful language helps break down these barriers and fosters a more supportive and understanding society.
Encourages Openness: When people encounter respectful language, they are more likely to feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. This openness can lead to early intervention, better treatment outcomes, and improved overall well-being.
Promotes Empathy: Non-stigmatising language conveys empathy and compassion, making individuals with mental health conditions feel validated and understood. This can enhance their sense of self-worth and reduce feelings of isolation.
Supports Recovery: Stigmatising language can hinder recovery by discouraging individuals from seeking treatment or adhering to their treatment plans. Non-stigmatising language can contribute to a more positive treatment experience.
Stigmatising Phrases
It important to appreciate that we may use stigmatising references without thinking or realising the harm they may cause. We’re going to explore some examples of stigmatising phrases to avoid and more empathetic alternatives. Here are some suggestions of language to avoid and a more accurate reference to use:
Don’t use: “Mental illness” as a collective term
Instead, use: “Mental illnesses” or “A mental illness”
Mental illness is a broad term. It doesn’t reflect what a person is actually dealing with. There are many different mental health issues and two people with the same clinical diagnosis can present very differently, too. So, to be respectful of people’s individual experiences.
Don’t use: “Afflicted by mental illness”, “suffers from mental illness” or “is a victim of mental illness”
Instead, use: “Living with a mental illness”
Having a mental health diagnosis isn’t necessarily a negative thing. “Suffering” implies that someone is unwell and unhappy. There is also an unfair stigma painting mental illnesses as a weakness. People with mental health issues are able to live fulfilling, healthy lives. And there are a wide range of treatments, so there are many reasons to stay hopeful.
Some people with mental health issues find that their experiences have actually changed their life for the better. They may be more empathetic, more artistically inclined or better able to help others around them. We would never say that someone is “suffering from asthma” or “suffering from diabetes.” We would say they have diabetes, or they have asthma. A mental health diagnosis shouldn’t be construed more negatively than any other health condition.
Don’t use: “Mentally ill person” or “Person who is mentally ill”
Instead, use: “Person with a mental illness” or “Person living with a mental health issue”
People with mental health issues have far more sides to them than their mental illnesses. To accept someone as a person first is not only more respectful, but honours the many other parts to them outside of their diagnosis. This is called using “person first” language.
One way to practice person first language is to imagine how you would like to hear someone else speaking about your close family member or friend in the same situation. Shifting your perspective can help you reframe how you think and speak about people with mental illnesses and similar stigmatised subjects.
Don’t use: “Schizophrenic, psychotic, disturbed, crazy or insane”
Instead, use: “Person living with schizophrenia”; “Person experiencing psychosis, disorientation or hallucination”
We would never call someone “a cancer-IC” or “heart diseased.” People with mental health issues are unfairly labelled by their medical condition. People are people, not illnesses. This is another example of “person first” language.
In everyday conversation it’s still common to hear things like, “What a crazy driver” or “That movie was insane.” In addition to changing how you speak about people, challenge yourself to also use these alternate words when describing a thing or a situation.
Don’t use: “Normal behaviour”
Instead, use: “Usual behaviour” or “typical behaviour”
There’s no clear definition of what “normal” is. And it can cause others to feel hurt or defensive if their experience is classified as not fitting into the category of “normal.” Using words like, “usual” or “typical” sounds less critical. It’s also important to mention here that every one of us behaves in an atypical way at one time or another.
Don’t use: “Substance abuse,” “addict” or “user”
Instead, use: “Substance use disorder”
Those who struggle with the misuse of drugs or alcohol aren’t simply choosing to “abuse” a substance. There are often neurobiological factors and emotional health issues which lead to this behaviour. Calling this a substance use disorder accepts these other factors. It removes some of the blame that comes with the term “substance abuse” and is a small, but significant, way to offer your support for those recovering from addiction.
Don’t use: “Committed suicide”
Instead, use: “Died by suicide” or “lost by suicide”
When someone believes that ending their life is truly the best decision, they are likely not seeing reality around them clearly. This is a symptom of some mental illnesses. To say someone “committed” suicide suggests blame. We would never blame someone for dying from cancer. So, we should use language that avoids blame and shame if someone’s mental health issues caused them to die by suicide.
Using non-stigmatising language is a simple yet powerful way to create a more inclusive and compassionate society. It promotes understanding, empathy, and a willingness to support those who are facing mental health challenges. By using respectful language, we can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek the help and support they need.
Final Word
We hope you have found part one of this series “Casting Light on Shadows (Dismantling Mental Health Stigma).” There are still a wide variety of areas to bring into the light and make it easier to understand and support people in our society living with a mental illness.
Look out for Part 2 coming in the New Year. Coming next …. “Sleighing the Winter Blues: Your Ultimate Guide to a Happy and Healthy Winter” is your indispensable companion to navigating the chillier months with a positive mindset and physical well-being.
Packed with practical tips, this comprehensive guide empowers you to combat seasonal mood changes, cultivate resilience, and embrace the unique joys of winter. From nutrition advice to warm body and soul, to engaging in winter activities and self-care practices that boost your spirits, this guide offers a wealth of strategies for enhancing your mental and emotional well-being during the winter season.
Dive into its words to discover how to stay active, practice mindfulness, and foster strong social connections. With “Sleighing the Winter Blues,” you’ll be well-equipped to transform the winter season into a time of joy, self-care, and vibrant health.