With an increase in mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, men, women, and the entire family unit have been seeking therapy more than ever. People in relationship and in the family unit alike are struggling with domestic violence and suicide, especially being isolated due to the pandemic. Even with the high statistics of people struggling with mental health, we have yet to see the stigma dissipate.

The Mayo Clinic defines stigma as the following: “When someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Stigma can lead to discrimination."

Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.”

So just how do we reduce or even eliminate the stigma against mental illness? Here are a few tips to get us started…

Talk Openly About Mental Health

Educate. Educate. Educate. When we talk openly about mental health issues, even if we’re only helping one person, it is worth it. It will have a domino effect. If you hear someone making a rude comment, gently intervene and kindly express how this makes you feel, and how we need to stop these remarks or the stigma around mental health will only continue to grow. Find more tips on How to Have a Conversation About Mental Health! Read this article too: Mental Health Conversations!

Choose Confidence Over Shame

There is often so much shame and conditioning passed down to us by our elders. The good news is, we get to CHOOSE how we want to run our lives. We get to own our life, our story, and prevent others from dictating how we view ourselves and others.

Instead of hiding from the world in shame, be a productive member of society, be purpose driven, and show others we can live a meaningful life even while battling mental illness. Read more on Overcoming Toxic Shame.

Choose Your Words Wisely

Every word holds a frequency. Fight stigma by gently reminding people that every word they speak is powerful. We can choose to speak spells or speak blessings. If we are constantly using mental health conditions to describe others, we’ll continue to build the stigma. Read more on Why Language Matters in Mental Health!

Call the Media Out When They’re Being Stigmatizing

When was the last time you saw someone make an ignorant comment on Facebook or Instagram about mental health? How about LinkedIn, Twitter, or TikTok? Write to the Social Media company about how that is not ok. You may even go so far as to fill them in on your personal journey or struggle with mental health. Check out our SolRiver Counseling Instagram page to get healthy social media content on mental health!

Be Honest About Treatment

Why do we fear telling others we are going to see a therapist, but we have no problem saying we have to see our doctor? Next time you hear that fear in your head, I encourage you to be honest and forthright that you’re seeing a therapist and/or a psychiatrist. Be even more audacious by telling them what it’s for!

There is no shame in seeking help. Be proud of the courage it takes to take care of your mental health.

Show Compassion For Those With Mental Illness

Offer a hug to someone and model compassion for those with mental illness. Speak with compassion and reverence when talking to or about those with mental health issues. Remind others of something that is often forgotten: the humanity of those who are suffering.

If you’d like to join initiatives on Ending the Stigma, find out more HERE.

And here is a Mayo Clinic Article to find out more on reducing and eliminating mental health stigma!

We offer affordable remote, online mental health counseling services so you can access care from the comfort of your home. We provide therapy to Palm Beach County and surrounding areas including West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Loxahatchee, Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, and Pompano Beach.

Our services include Counseling, Mental Health, Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychologist, Insurance in the following areas: Women, Men, Family, Marriage, Teens/Adolescents, Relationships, and Couples