The demand for mental health care is on the rise. Mental health professionals are not only witnessing a surge in the number of patients seeking assistance through both conventional and online therapy but are also observing an escalation in the severity of reported symptoms, as revealed by the American Psychological Association Practitioner Impact Survey. However, despite this growing need for support, negative attitudes toward individuals with mental illnesses persist. These attitudes, defined as stigma by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), can profoundly impact individuals and discourage them from seeking help. In this context, we highlight instances of mental health stigma, explore its consequences, and offer expert-driven strategies for mitigating and ultimately eradicating this issue.
Detrimental Consequences of Stigma
As per NAMI, stigma exerts a negative impact on nearly 1 in 5 Americans grappling with mental health disorders. These individuals often contend with feelings of shame and isolation, which not only exacerbate their mental health challenges but also hinder their willingness to seek professional assistance. The American Psychiatric Association has observed that self-stigma, specifically among those affected by severe mental illnesses, leads to several adverse outcomes, including:
- Escalated feelings of hopelessness.
- Diminished self-esteem.
- Heightened symptom severity.
- Strained interpersonal relationships.
- Decreased engagement in treatment.
The Mental Health Foundation in the United Kingdom has noted that individuals with mental health conditions face a higher likelihood of unemployment, instability in relationships, inadequate housing, and social exclusion. Furthermore, an analysis of two McKinsey & Company surveys conducted in 2020 concerning the repercussions of mental illness stigma in the workplace revealed extensive ramifications, including reduced productivity and the following statistics:
- Thirty-seven percent of employees experiencing behavioral health conditions avoid seeking treatment out of fear that their mental health issues will become known.
- Fifty-two percent of employees diagnosed with substance-use disorders refrain from seeking treatment.
- Nearly 70 percent of employees with high levels of self-stigma miss at least one day of work each year due to burnout or stress.
When Mental Health Stigma Transforms into Discrimination
When the negative sentiments linked to mental health stigma intensify, they evolve into mental health discrimination. A Lancet Commission report published in October 2022 underscores the far-reaching repercussions of mental health discrimination, which often have underestimated consequences.
Individual Impacts of Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination
According to the Lancet report, individuals affected by mental health stigma across the globe encounter discrimination in various facets of their lives, including social settings, educational institutions, workplaces, and relationships. This, in turn, exacerbates feelings of solitude, shame, and isolation, worsening their conditions to the extent that they contemplate whether seeking help is worthwhile. The reluctance to seek treatment is particularly prevalent among minority groups, youth, individuals living with their parents, military personnel, and healthcare professionals.
Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination in the Workplace
The American Psychiatric Association reports that more than 1 in 3 workers in the United States harbor concerns about facing retaliation or job loss if they seek mental health care. In response, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission encourages individuals who suspect workplace discrimination to lodge a discrimination charge with either the Commission or their state or local Fair Employment Practice Agency. This is because the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 safeguard individuals with mental health disabilities from discrimination and harassment within the workplace.
Stigma and Discrimination in Healthcare for Mental Health
The repercussions of stigma extend beyond individuals with mental health conditions and affect the healthcare professionals dedicated to their care. A study published in January 2023 in the International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences revealed compelling evidence of unfavorable perceptions held by both the general public and fellow healthcare providers toward mental health professionals. This stigma takes a toll on mental health professionals, manifesting as:
- Burnout.
- Reduced resilience.
- A desire to change careers.
- Diminished job satisfaction.
- Emotional exhaustion.
- Decreased earning potential.
Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination in Educational Settings
Young individuals grappling with mental health conditions frequently encounter pervasive stigma associated with their diagnoses. According to The Lancet, students often report encountering negative attitudes from school staff, including emotions like fear, aversion, and doubt regarding their capabilities. Consequently, students frequently experience exclusion from school and community activities.
Effectively Addressing Mental Health Stigma
While a study published in JAMA in December 2021 noted a decrease in mental health stigma specifically related to depression between 1996 and 2018, it emphasized the necessity of redirecting more attention toward dismantling stigma surrounding other mental health conditions.
To combat the stigma associated with mental health, concerted efforts must be made at individual, institutional, and societal levels. The American Psychiatric Association offers the following recommendations for diminishing mental health stigma:
Foster open discussions about mental health, sharing positive experiences and successful outcomes with a wider audience, including through social media.
Exercise caution with language, recognizing that the words used can either contribute to stigma and prejudice or challenge them. For example, instead of labeling someone as “anxious,” opt for phrases like “they experience anxiety.”
Cultivate compassion for individuals coping with mental illness and the mental health professionals providing care. This involves actively listening without judgment.
Employers across various industries can also play a pivotal role in eradicating mental health stigma, as suggested by The Lancet Commission:
Cultivate a workplace environment that facilitates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions and explicitly prohibits mental health stigma and discrimination.
Introduce evidence-based training programs aimed at eliminating mental health stigma for healthcare practitioners, social workers, and vocational training personnel.
Strive to eliminate mental health stereotypes and misrepresentations from media content.
Provide comprehensive training on reducing mental health stigma and discrimination to all professionals and students within the educational system.
Resources to Combat Mental Health Stigma
Numerous organizations are committed to combating mental health stigma and discrimination. Here are a few notable examples:
- Bring Change to Mind: An organization founded by actress Glenn Close, dedicated to promoting diverse cultural dialogues surrounding mental health.
- Healthy Minds: A public television series that explores common psychiatric conditions through personal narratives and expert research.
- Make It OK: A campaign that provides guidance on dispelling misconceptions and fostering open discussions about mental health.
- Stamp Out Stigma: An initiative by the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, aimed at diminishing the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders.
- This Is My Brave: An organization that has produced over 75 unique theatrical productions nationwide, featuring storytellers who share their authentic experiences with mental illness.
In Summary
Mental health stigma permeates public, personal, and institutional spheres, with detrimental consequences for individuals seeking mental health support and their communities. As our comprehension of mental health deepens, we recognize that society plays a crucial role in finding solutions. Eroding the stigma associated with mental health necessitates a collective effort involving individuals, institutions, and policymakers. This effort entails shedding biases and prejudices and endorsing initiatives that support those in need, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. You can take action today to contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and engage with organizations striving for positive change.