Mental Health Stigma Reduction Strategies

Introduction

Negative attitudes and beliefs towards people who have mental health conditions are unfortunately common. Stigma is when someone views an individual negatively because they have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that is thought to be, or is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). According to some, the stigma associated with having a mental health problem is worse than the actual ailment. Public stigma, defined as the adverse responses that members of the general public have towards those who have mental illness, is explained by (i) preconceptions, (ii) prejudice, and (iii) discrimination. There are prevalent misconceptions that individuals with mental health disorders are dangerous, unable, and morally reprehensible. Discrimination is the term used to describe how people behave in response to these preconceptions, whereas prejudice is the agreement with these assumptions.

The biggest obstacle to the global expansion of mental health programs may be the negative attitudes that society has toward those who suffer from mental diseases. More people are realizing that these harmful consequences and the related human rights concerns are important targets for social action. Under the umbrella of "anti-stigma programming," several initiatives have been put in place recently to support better social fairness for those who suffer from mental disorders.

Among the negative consequences of stigma are the following:

• Unwillingness to get treatment or assistance.

• Lack of comprehension from friends, family, coworkers, or other people.

• Fewer options for employment, education, or social activities; difficulties locating housing.

• Harassment, physical assault, or bullying.

• Mental health therapy is not sufficiently covered by health insurance.

• The conviction that the patient can not become better at something or that they will never be successful at it.

What Are the Types of Stigma?

• Public: When someone treats an individual unfairly or devalues them. In the public domain, stigma can relate to negative perceptions of individuals with mental health issues. Belief in such stereotypes and the responses to them can impact one's ability to find employment, choose a place to live, and even obtain high-quality medical treatment.

• Systemic: Less access to resources and care as a result of laws. When such public stigma stereotypes are reflected in the laws, institutions, and organizations that govern have an impact on society, systemic stigma results. Systemic stigma involves vast groups of people, whereas public stigma affects individuals or smaller groups.

• Self: Assimilation of unfavorable preconceptions. A person's self-efficacy and self-esteem are impacted by internalized stigma, which can result in ongoing uncertainty and pessimism.

What Are the Steps to Cope With Stigma?

• Receive medical attention. It might be hard to acknowledge for anyone that they need help. Stigma should not be allowed to be associated with mental illness to keep anyone from getting the care they need. Treatment can bring relief by determining the cause of the problem and minimizing symptoms that interfere with the personal and professional life.

• Avoid allowing stigma to breed guilt and self-doubt. Social stigma is not limited to other people. The patient may think their illness is a reflection of their weakness or that they should be able to manage it on their own. Gaining self-esteem and overcoming harmful self-judgment can be achieved by seeking counseling, learning more about their disease, and making connections with other people who also struggle with mental illness.

• Avoid isolating. The patient may be reluctant to disclose their mental health condition to others. If their loved ones, friends, clergy, or neighbors are aware of their mental health condition, they can help them. Seek the empathy, understanding, and support they require from those the patient can trust.

• Avoid associating oneself with their sickness. Mental stigma is not a disease.

• Participate in a support group. Certain national and local organizations, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), provide internet resources and local programs to educate the public, families, and individuals with mental illness, therefore lowering stigma. Support for individuals with mental illness is provided by some state and federal organizations and programs, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and those that concentrate on vocational rehabilitation.

• Ask for assistance in school. Find out what strategies and programs can be helpful if an adult or a child has a mental condition that interferes with their ability to study. It is illegal to discriminate against pupils because of a mental illness, and primary, secondary, and postsecondary instructors must make reasonable accommodations for their students. Discuss the appropriate course of action and available resources with instructors, academics, or administrators. Ignorance of a student's impairment by an instructor can result in prejudice, obstacles to education, and subpar performance.

• Advocate against stigma. Think about sharing thoughts online, in letters to the editor, or at events. It can raise awareness of mental illness among the general population and inspire bravery in those suffering comparable difficulties.

What Are the Simple Strategies for Reducing Stigma?

• Openly discuss mental health. Positive content may now be found in abundance on social media.

• Educate both for self and other people. Share facts and personal experiences to counteract misconceptions and disparaging remarks.

• Be mindful of language and remind others that words have power.

• Encourage parity between mental and physical illnesses by drawing parallels to the care given to patients with diabetes or cancer.

• Be truthful while discussing treatment; make mental health therapy seem normal, much like other forms of medical care.

• Have empathy for people who suffer from mental illness.

• Select empowerment above humiliation.

Conclusion

By public education, the most recommended approach was to increase awareness. Providing information to combat ignorance and false information makes it desirable. Because they can change the future, are under increasing pressure, and have access to school settings that can provide interventions utilizing a literacy approach, young people, in particular, have been identified as a target group for educational intervention. These points have also been previously discussed in the literature. Enhancing understanding of mental health disorders has been demonstrated to be a successful outcome of school-friendly literacy initiatives.