The Effects of Stigma on Individuals Living With Mental Illness

Mental illness affects millions of people around the world. Anxiety and depression are the most frequent types of mental illness affecting 1 in 8 persons in the world in 2019.  The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 substantially increased the amount of people suffering from anxiety and depression.

Despite this, the stigma surrounding mental illnesses persists. The negative attitudes and stereotypes surrounding mental health conditions can have serious consequences on individuals living with mental illness, including social isolation, discrimination, and barriers to healthcare access. 

We have seen first-hand the impact of stigma on individuals and their loved ones. It is essential that we address this issue and work towards creating a more supportive and understanding society.

In this blog, we will explore the effects of stigma on individuals living with mental illness, the consequences on mental health outcomes, and the ways we can challenge negative attitudes and promote mental health. 

What is Stigma?

But first, let’s break down what exactly stigma is. Negative social attitudes, prejudices, and discrimination against people because of their appearance, habits, or health problems are all examples of stigma. Stigma, in the context of mental illness, refers to people's preconceived notions and judgments about those who suffer from mental health issues.

There are two main types of stigma related to mental illness: public stigma and self-stigma.

Public stigma:

Public describes the widespread prejudice and discrimination (of the general public) that people with mental illnesses face in today's society. Those with mental health issues may be met with dread, pity, or even disdain because of these feelings. Rejection from society, discrimination, and even physical harm are all possible outcomes of public stigmatization of those with mental illness.

Self-stigma:

In contrast, the term "self-stigma" describes the stigmatizing thoughts and feelings that people with mental illness have about themselves. They may experience emotions of guilt, humiliation, or embarrassment because of their mental illness. Doubt, poor self-esteem, and a diminished quality of life may all result from internalized stigma.

How Stigma Affects People With Mental Health Problems:

1. Social isolation

Isolation is a common result of stigma for those who suffer from mental illness. This may happen if people with mental health issues are afraid of being judged or treated unfairly by society. Loneliness, despair, and anxiety are all symptoms of mental illness that may be exacerbated by a lack of social interaction.

2. Negative stereotypes

Mental illness is often stereotyped negatively, and stigma may contribute to this. Beliefs that people with mental illness are more likely to act violently, be unpredictable, or be unable to contribute to society are examples of such stigma. Negative generalizations about people who struggle with mental health might make it harder for them to get an education, find work, or make friends.

3. Discrimination in education and employment

Stigma can also lead to discrimination in education and employment. Individuals with mental illness may be discriminated against in the workplace or in educational settings, which can limit their opportunities for advancement and success. This discrimination can also worsen mental health symptoms, as it creates stress and anxiety for individuals with mental illness.

4. Barriers to healthcare access

Discrimination in the workplace and classroom is another negative outcome of stigma. Discrimination against people who have mental illness in the workplace or school might make it difficult for them to develop in their careers or achieve their academic goals. As a result of the added stress and worry it causes, prejudice may exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness.

5. Impact on self-esteem and self-worth

Isolation and a worsening of mental health problems may result from the negative emotions triggered by negative attitudes and stereotypes, such as shame, guilt, and doubt. A person's willingness to seek assistance or share their struggles with others may be impacted by negative thoughts and feelings about themselves.

Ultimately, stigma may have profound and far-reaching consequences for those coping with mental illness. To build a more accepting and welcoming community, we must combat discrimination and raise awareness about mental health issues.

But, can we reduce stigma?

The reality is that stigma will always be there. Reducing stigma is a challenging and ongoing process that requires sustained effort from all members of society. While progress has been made in recent years towards reducing stigma around mental illness, there is still a long way to go. Many people with mental illness still face discrimination and negative attitudes, and the impact of stigma on mental health outcomes can be significant. However, there are many effective strategies and approaches that can be used to deal with stigma, such as:

How To Deal With Stigma With Mental Illness

Seek support

Dealing with stigma related to mental illness can be overwhelming and isolating. It is important to have a support system in place to help you navigate these challenges. Reach out to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support. Talking to someone who understands what you are going through can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of comfort.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate assistance, please call "988" and explain the nature of your problem to the operator. 

At Fundamental Change, we understand the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness and providing support to those in need. That's why we offer a variety of free resources on our website to help you access the care and information you need to manage your mental health:

• Federal, state, and county government resources
• Non-government resources
• COVID-19 resources
• Recursos en español
• Resources for caregivers
• Support groups
• San Fernando Valley therapist search

Additionally, we offer informative blogs, such as the one you're reading now, to help you better understand mental illness and develop strategies for coping with stigma. We are committed to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources and support to those who need it. Don't hesitate to reach out and access our free resources today.

Speak out

Don't be afraid to speak out against stigma and discrimination related to mental illness. Sharing your story with others can help break down stereotypes and raise awareness about mental health. Consider joining a support group or advocacy organization to connect with others who are also fighting against stigma.

Practice self-care

Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential in managing the impact of stigma on your life. This can include engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Additionally, seeking professional mental health support, such as therapy or medication, can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.