When we get injured or feel sick, do we stay idle in the same situation? No, right? We immediately ask for help because it hurts, and we want to feel better at the earliest. However, if someone is struggling with mental health, feeling depressed, dealing with an anxious mind, or any mental illness, do we ask for help as we do for physical pain?
The answer is “rarely.” And the very cause for this is “stigma” associated with our mental health. Unfortunately, because of the negative attitude towards mental health, usually people cease to ask for help and keep fighting battles all alone.
Though stigma is reducing these days and people are openly accepting and talking about it, still we need to educate more and more people towards mental health care.
Counselling is one of the best ways to deal with mental issues, but it too has a lot of stigmas attached to it. To overcome the counselling stigma, one must first know what types of stigmas exist and how to reset one’s thinking. In this article, we will talk about stigmas in mental illness and counselling and how to overcome them so that you can focus on recovery and a healthy way of life.
What is Stigma?
Simply put, when someone views you negatively because of a specific quality or attribute, this is referred to as stigma (such as skin color, cultural background, a disability or a mental illness).
The Adverse Effects of Stigma
Below are some of the unfortunate effects because of stigma attached with mental health and counselling
-Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and isolation -Unwillingness to ask for help or treatment
-A lack of understanding by family, friends, or others verbal or physical abuse
-Doubt- the belief that you will never overcome your sickness or accomplish your life goals.
How to deal with stigma:
Get the help you need
Fear of being diagnosed with mental illness should not prevent you from seeking help.
Don’t believe blindly Hearing or experiencing something often enough can make you believe it. Try not to let other people’s ignorance affect your self-esteem. Mental disorder is not a sign of weakness and is rarely self-managed. Talking to a specialist about your mental health difficulties might help you recover or manage them.
Don’t hide Many persons with mental illness wish to be alone. Reaching out to trusted people like family, friends, coaches, or religious leaders can help.
Stay Connected with others Being a part of a mental health support group, whether online or in-person, can help you overcome feelings of loneliness.
You are not your feelings
Don’t let your condition define you. Instead of schizophrenic, say schizophrenic. Language has power.
Don’t take it Personally
Remember that other people’s judgments typically stem from a lack of understanding. They make these decisions before they even meet you, so don’t take their opinions personally.
Overcoming the stigma of mental health and counselling
Each of us may help build a mentally healthy community that is inclusive, opposes discrimination, and promotes healing. Here are the ways: Spreading awareness about mental illness and counselling with family, friends, coworkers Developing a sense of empathy for those suffering from mental illness and learning to perceive them as individuals.
Not labelling or discriminating against anyone with mental illness. Respect and dignity for everybody. Avoiding language that focuses on illness above person. A person with bipolar disorder instead of a bipolar person.
Stepping up when you hear stereotyped or inaccurate remarks regarding mental health Expressing your own mental disorder (if you have experienced it). This will clear up myths and inspire others.
Mental illness and seeking counselling is not anything to be ashamed about.
Final Thoughts:
Others’ opinions are most of the time based on a lack of knowledge rather than facts. Accepting your condition and recognising what you need to do to treat it, getting support, and educating others can all make a great difference. Let us break the stigma towards counselling and encourage people to live healthier and more productive lives.