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Stigma in our Society

Mental health stigma occurs when society labels people with mental illness as “weak,” “dangerous,” or “abnormal.” This stigma creates shame, silence, and barriers to getting help, which is a major issue in India’s collectivist culture. The Live Love Laugh 2018 Survey found widespread myths: many people believe mental illness comes from lack of willpower, should be hidden, or makes a person unfit for responsibility. These attitudes delay treatment, lower confidence, and worsen recovery. Reducing stigma requires open conversations, supportive communities, and access to accurate information so individuals feel safe to seek help early.

What is Stigma?

Stigma means negative labels, stereotypes, and attitudes that cause individuals to feel ashamed, judged, or excluded.

Stigma develops when society views certain conditions, including mental illness, as abnormal or undesirable. These beliefs often lead to discrimination, silence, and barriers to accessing support.

What is Social Stigma in the Context of Mental Illness?

Social stigma refers to negative beliefs that society holds about people with mental illness, leading to discrimination and social exclusion.

Why this matters

Social stigma creates a gap between people who need support and the care they receive. It feeds myths, misunderstandings, and silence.

How social stigma appears in daily life

Calling someone “crazy” or “mad” when they express emotional distress
Avoiding someone because they have a mental health condition
Treating mental illness as a personal failure
Assuming people with mental illness are unstable or dangerous

Impact on young people

Students are especially vulnerable. Social stigma may make them:

Hide symptoms
Avoid counselling
Feel embarrassed about needing help
Struggle in silence

In India’s context

In a collectivist setting, reputation, social acceptance, and family honour often take priority. This pressure can intensify stigma, making people reluctant to seek help even when they are struggling deeply.

How Stigma Affects Help-Seeking and Recovery

Stigma delays help-seeking, affects confidence, and makes recovery more difficult.

Key effects

Delayed support: People wait months or years before seeking help.
Self-stigma: Individuals begin believing negative stereotypes about themselves.
Isolation: Shame leads to withdrawal from social relationships.
Reduced opportunities: People may be denied responsibilities or roles.
Emotional distress: Constant judgement affects self-esteem and motivation.

Real-life example

A young working professional with panic attacks keeps avoiding therapy because he has heard statements like:

“Therapy is for people who cannot control their emotions.”
“Don’t tell anyone or people will judge you at work.”

This internal pressure creates fear, causing his condition to worsen.

How Stigma Affects Help-Seeking and Recovery

Step 1: Recognise the signs, stress, withdrawal, and feeling overwhelmed.
Step 2: Speak to one trusted person — a friend, teacher, or family member.
Step 3: Seek factual information — avoid myths and rely on credible sources.
Step 4: Try small coping strategies, such as grounding, breathing exercises, and journaling.
Step 5: Reach out for professional help — even a single counselling session reduces fear.
Step 6: Challenge stigma actively — remind yourself: Seeking help is a strength.

Insights from the 2018 National Survey on Mental Health Attitudes

The Live Love Laugh Foundation’s 2018 Survey showed that stigma remains widespread, with many people still believing harmful myths about mental illness.

Key findings that reveal social stigma in India

Nearly half used words like crazy, mad, or stupid to describe mental illness
68% believe people with mental illness should not be given responsibilities
60% believe mental illness is caused by lack of willpower
60% think people with mental illness should stay separate from others
57% feel fear towards individuals with mental illness
1 in 4 believe people with mental illness are “prone to violence”

What these findings mean

These attitudes reinforce silence, shame, and fear. They create barriers that prevent individuals from speaking up or seeking treatment.

Why collective attitudes matter

In India, collective thinking shapes how families, neighbours, co-workers, and students respond to mental health.

When the collective is supportive, help-seeking becomes easier.

When the collective is judgemental, stigma grows.

Towards a more inclusive society

To reduce stigma, we must:

Use accurate, stigma-free language
Encourage conversations about mental health at home, school, and work
Support people without judgement
Promote awareness using credible sources
Celebrate lived experiences and recovery stories

The common goal

A healthier society is one where every individual — regardless of their mental health status — feels safe to ask for support. Reducing stigma is not only a social responsibility; it is essential for ensuring dignity, care, and wellbeing for all.

FAQs

1. How can I personally help reduce mental health stigma?

Use respectful, non-judgmental language
Listen without assuming or dismissing feelings
Share accurate mental health information
Support friends who are struggling
Challenge myths when you hear them
Normalise seeking therapy or counselling

2. How does stigma stop people from seeking help?

Stigma creates fear of judgement, embarrassment, and worry about being treated differently. This delay can worsen symptoms, increase distress, and make recovery more challenging.

3. What are practical steps to support someone facing stigma?

Encourage them to talk openly
Remind them that mental health conditions are treatable
Offer to accompany them to a counsellor
Validate their feelings without minimising them
Help them access reliable resources and information

4. Can stigma impact recovery?

Yes. Stigma increases stress, reduces confidence, delays treatment, and creates isolation — all of which can slow down or complicate recovery.

5. How can teachers reduce stigma in classrooms?

Use supportive, inclusive language
Normalise asking for emotional help
Avoid labelling students
Encourage open conversations
Partner with counsellors to share accurate information

Small actions by teachers can dramatically shift classroom culture.

Stigma in our Society

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