The stigma of mental health

STIGMA: "A sign of social unacceptability; the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable." Mental health is often associated with stigma which can result in less people seeking treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common and they need to be addressed. Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious, direct, unintentional, or subtle. Persistent discrimination against those with mental health conditions can lead to lower self-esteem, fewer opportunities in school and work, and can result in a gradual decrease in motivation. To stand up against discrimination is monumental, not just for the people affected but for the community as well. Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include: • Reluctance to seek help or treatment• Lack of understanding by family, friends, coworkers, or others• Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing• Bullying, physical violence or harassment• Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment• The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation Steps to cope with stigma • Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.• Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.• Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.• Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," say "I have schizophrenia."• Join a support group. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offers local programs and internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people who have mental illness, their families, and the public. You will find our local NAMI: Huron County contact information below.• Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness. When one person stands up against stigma, it sends out encouragement to others while also building a support network.• Education Matters. Often others' judgments regarding mental health almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference. Conversations and discussions about mental health are vital to send a positive message throughout the community. While stigma is an unfortunate aspect of our human society, it can be eliminated through consistent education, conversation, and awareness. Every human life is equally important and together we can break stigma to make this world a better place. For more information on "Breaking Stigma", click the link below for a video conversation between MHAS & NAMI: Huron County https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxzTC8khBJI&feature=youtu.be Huron County Mental Health Support & Treatment Options: • NAMI of Huron County, 419-677-0714 • Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services, 567-560-3584 • Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services, 419-663-3737 • Crisis Hotline: 1-800-826-1306 • Crisis Textline: Text "4HOPE" to 741741 Kristen W. Cardone, LPCC-S, LICDC. is executive director of the Huron County Board of Mental Health & Addiction Services.