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Stigma and society

Mental health stigma, both social stigma and self-stigma, comes from misinformation, media portrayals, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences. It affects how people view mental illness, how they treat others, and whether individuals feel safe seeking help. Understanding how stigma forms helps us challenge stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for everyone.

What Is Stigma?

Stigma refers to the sense of unacceptance, shame, and disapproval directed at people because of characteristics like identity, culture, appearance, disability, or illness.

In mental health, stigma shapes how individuals are perceived and how they perceive themselves.

Social Stigma vs Self-Stigma

1. Social Stigma

Social stigma is the negative reaction society has towards people with mental illness.

Examples include:

Assuming someone is dangerous
Treating them differently after they open up
Believing mental illness is a personal flaw

These reactions make people afraid to speak about their mental health struggles.

2. Self-Stigma

Self-stigma happens when individuals internalize these negative beliefs. They may begin to feel:

Shame
Hopelessness
Anger toward themselves
Unworthy of care or support

This often leads to avoiding therapy or delaying help, causing conditions to worsen.

How Stigma Forms in Everyday Life

Stigma does not appear suddenly—it is learned, often without us realizing it.

1. Learning Through Experiences

People form beliefs based on interactions with those experiencing mental illness.

Example:

A child who sees an adult have a panic attack may notice others react with fear instead of support—teaching them that mental illness is “scary” or “wrong.”

2. Learning Through Family, Culture, and Society

Stigma is passed down through:

Family remarks (“These things shouldn’t be discussed”)
Cultural messages (“What will people say?”)
School environments
Peer comments
Community or religious beliefs

These subtle cues shape attitudes toward mental health.

3. Media and Movies

The media often shows people with mental illness as violent, unstable, or dangerous. Treatment scenes are shown as extreme or frightening.

This reinforces mental health stigma, especially among younger audiences.

4. Casual Misuse of Mental Health Terms

Phrases like “I’m depressed,” “I’m bipolar,” or “I have OCD” used casually dilute the seriousness of real diagnoses and can invalidate those who actually struggle.

This makes genuine distress seem exaggerated or “not a big deal.”

5. Attribution Theory: Why People Assign Blame

Attribution theory explains that stigma increases when people believe mental illness is fully controllable or someone’s own fault.

This leads to:

Judgment
Anger
Avoidance
Hostile behaviour

These reactions deepen self-stigma and discourage people from seeking help.

The Cost of Stigma: Barriers to Help-Seeking

Stigma creates real barriers for individuals facing mental health challenges.

1. How People Are Treated Differently

When someone openly discusses their mental health, they may be seen through a negative lens, such as:

“Too sensitive”
“Weak”
“Unreliable”

These labels can lead to isolation.

2. Impact on Young People and Students

Common fears include:

Being judged by friends
Being teased or labelled
Falling behind socially
Not being taken seriously

As a result, many students choose to stay silent even when they are suffering.

3. The Stigma Cycle

A person experiences symptoms
They fear judgment (social stigma)
They hide their feelings
Symptoms worsen
They begin believing the stigma (self-stigma)
They avoid treatment
Their mental health declines further

This cycle is one of the biggest barriers to early intervention and recovery.

Towards a More Inclusive Society: What We Can Do

Practical Ways to Reduce Mental Health Stigma

Use accurate, respectful language
Avoid stereotypes
Listen without judgment
Normalize therapy and emotional conversations
Encourage friends to seek help when needed
Share reliable information about mental health
Challenge harmful jokes or comments
Create safe spaces in schools and communities

A Simple Example of What Support Looks Like

If a friend says they’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed, respond with:

“I’m here. Do you want to talk or find someone who can help?”

…is far more supportive than saying:

“Cheer up, you’ll be fine.”

Small actions like this shift the environment from dismissive to compassionate.