Breaking through mental health stigma

When there's a health issue like a broken ankle or chest pain, most people seek medical help right away, as they should. Yet, on average, a person experiencing mental health symptoms will wait an average of 11 years before getting care.

A main reason people delay getting help is the stigma associated with having a mental health condition. Historically, stigma has led to labels, stereotypes, and the ridicule or trivialization of people with mental health conditions. That makes it difficult for people to admit when they have a concern and seek treatment.

Stigma may even make it tough for friends and family to talk openly to people with mental health conditions, even when it’s someone they love. This can lead to feelings of isolation for the person with the issue and result in them putting off care or denying symptoms altogether.

Ways to end mental health stigma

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, only about 6 in 10 people with serious mental health conditions get the treatment and the support they need. Here are ways you can help with this issue:

• Acknowledge and understand stigma: Stigma is not based on facts. It's created by negative media portrayals of people with mental health conditions and addiction, personal experiences or fear and a lack of education.
• Educate yourself and others: As with other physical health conditions, mental health issues may be caused by genetic or environmental factors. A mental health condition is a medical condition that affects a person's thinking, feelings, mood, everyday life and their ability to relate to others.
• See the person, not the condition: Understand that at the core of any mental health condition there is a human being who deserves dignity, respect and kindness. Treat people with mental health conditions with the same compassion you offer to people with other illnesses.
• Choose language carefully: Avoid descriptions like "I am feeling schizophrenic," and "My OCD is acting up." Avoid words like "crazy," "nuts" or "psycho." People may think using these terms to describe odd behaviors is harmless, but it can be damaging to the self-esteem of someone experiencing real mental health issues.

Each of us can help chip away at mental health stigma, so it becomes easier for all of us to talk about our mental health and seek help when it's needed. If you or someone you love needs support, call or text 988 to connect to he Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.