Mental Health Stigmas: What Are They?
Mental health stigmas can often come from either a place of fear or a lack
of understanding. Unfortunately, this combination can foster a negative
view of individuals who are dealing with mental health issues.
The concept of mental health stigma is more nuanced than one catch-all
attitude. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) lists three different
types of stigmas. The first type, public stigma, refers to the negative
attitudes others possess about mental illness. The second type, self-
stigma, involves the negative attitudes that people with mental illness
have regarding their own illness. The third type is institutional stigma. This
is a systemic stigma involving private and government agencies limiting
treatment opportunities for mental illnesses via actions like lowering
funding for mental illness research.
While public and institutional stigmas generate from outside sources, self-
stigma comes from within. Those with self-stigma may feel they are
victims of discrimination, and they may subsequently act like victims and
encourage others to treat them differently. Qualified counselors may be
able to help people with mental disorders to cope with the stigmas that
exist, including self-stigma.
Why Is Mental Health Awareness Important?
An increasing awareness of mental health helps society work toward eliminating its stigmas, but it
does much more. For instance, developing a greater understanding of mental illness can allow
people to recognize those in their lives who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or other
conditions that affect their mental well-being. This could even include a self-realization of their own
mental health conditions.
Additionally, increased awareness could lead to a greater push for mental health advocacy.
Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and events such as Mental
Health Awareness Month are instrumental in advocating for a greater understanding of mental
health and eradicating mental health stigmas.
Such advocacy appears to be working. A poll conducted by the APA in 2019 revealed that 87% of
Americans feel having a mental health disorder isn’t a cause of shame. 86% polled also said those
with mental health disorders can get better. Furthermore, the survey indicated that 81% of people
stated they’d either be very or somewhat comfortable being friends with an individual who has a
mental health disorder. These positive reactions hint at a more accepting environment for those with
mental health issues; one where they don’t have to be embarrassed, ashamed, or silent.
