Let’s challenge the stigma surrounding mental health
FOR people with mental health problems, life can be really tough.
Stigma and discrimination can make things even worse; exacerbating symptoms and in some cases, blocking the road to recovery.
It’s estimated that one-in-four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year, yet sadly, social stigma remains rife.
A recent survey found that nine out of 10 people with a mental health problem reported that the stigma they experienced made them feel worse.
Stigma around mental illness takes many different forms. We know that people with mental health difficulties are among the least likely people in society to be in employment, have a long-term relationship and live in adequate housing. It’s likely that stigmatised views about mental health problems and their symptoms contribute to this inequality.
At an individual level, people might experience stigma from their friends, relatives, employers, colleagues or strangers. It might take the form of being called names, being told that you’re lazy or that you need to pull yourself together and get over your problems.
It might be being treated differently when someone finds out you have a mental health problem or experiencing difficulty accessing the same opportunities as others.
While we are making progress in challenging stigma, there is still a long way to go. Here are three things you can do to help.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
READING up on common mental health problems, learning about the signs and symptoms and ways to support those experiencing mental ill health is a great way to equip yourself with the knowledge to challenge myths about mental health when they arise. Visit mind.org.uk for a wealth of information to get you started.
SUPPORT A CAMPAIGN
CAMPAIGNS play an important role in raising awareness of mental health issues, keeping mental health on the political agenda and giving a voice to vulnerable people who might otherwise go unheard. Time to Change is a growing social movement dedicated to challenging stigma and discrimination around mental health. See time-to-change.org.uk for details.
TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
WHETHER it’s asking for help when you are experiencing your own difficulties, checking in with a friend who is struggling or chatting with colleagues about mental health stories in the news, talking about mental health is one of the simplest things we can all do to challenge mental health stigma, one conversation at a time.
Dr Ellie Milby is a counselling psychologist