The dictionary definition for social stigma is, "the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on perceivable social characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society". In today's society, mental health isn't taken as seriously as it should be, especially in the American education system. With so many people that deal with all different types of mental illness, everyone who deals with it should feel like they are safe from discrimination.
Effects Of Stigma
Negative attitudes are a common occurrence when it comes to people having mental health conditions. These negative attitudes can be very dangerous and cause much more harm to people struggling with said mental illnesses. Reluctance to seek treatment, lack of understanding by people close to you, and bullying and harassment are just some of the harmful effects that social stigma on mental health can have. The lack of understanding from others can make people feel isolated from everyone else and can cause self-doubt and self-confidence issues just because they have a mental illness that they are getting discriminated for.
How To Cope
Even though the stigma associated with mental health will continue, there are some ways to cope with it. Some important and helpful ways to cope is to get treatment if needed, treatment can provide education on many ways to cope with certain situations and triggers. Another way you can cope with the stigma is by not letting it create shame for yourself, if you start to believe what others are saying about mental health, it could affect your views on it as well and can cause self-judgment and self-esteem issues. You are more than just your illness, and thinking that you're the problem instead of the negative things being said about mental health can cause a lot of harm. If other people's judgment starts to affect you, even more, there are always many support groups that offer tremendous amounts of support for people that are struggling. Support groups are also great ways to meet other people who struggle with similar things, when you have people on your side that you can relate to, it can make you feel more comfortable and confident in yourself.
The more we express our feelings on the stigma associated with mental health, then the more it can educate our public on what's truly going on and also give out courage to those who are facing resembling hardships.
Resources: Mayo Clinic
