Combating the Stigmatization of Mental Health

Given the historical context on how mental health has been stigmatized, the trepidation and resistance towards seeking help is rather unsurprising. A 2019 CDC report found that only “19.2% of U.S. adults received any mental health treatment”1, and yet John Hopkins Medicine reports that “an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older -- about 1 in 4 adults -- suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.”2 Even so, this statistic likely underplays reality, as it is based on previous reports of diagnosed patients, and countless mental illness cases go unreported every year. How can we establish a system in which individuals seek help without feeling fearful of backlash by family, friends, and community members alike?

The first, and ideal step, would be to develop a methodology that would teach the younger generation about the normalcy of facing emotional struggles and about the resources that they can turn to for help. This way, we can increase the general public’s familiarity with the symptoms of various mental illnesses (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.) and the options that are available to them.

This, of course, is the long-term solution that requires a great deal of educational input and curriculum development across institutions nationwide, and will need supplemental support from politicians and school board members. In the meantime, we can employ alternative methods to help those who are struggling and demonstrate visible signs. For instance, we can encourage those around us to foster supportive relationships and be open to hearing others out. This does come with a caveat, however, as it is also essential that we, as individuals, set boundaries for ourselves. It is okay to feel as though we cannot handle listening to someone else’s trauma or concerns without imposing these sentiments on ourselves. We have to understand that we are also subject to feelings and emotional responses, and setting those boundaries is highly appropriate.

In such cases, consider informing the individual about resources that they can turn to. Many fear that seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist will cause others to consider them “crazy” or “mentally deficient”. Having someone alleviate these misconceptions and maintain a reassuring environment can go a long way in helping an individual who struggles with their mental health to gain the confidence they need to seek help. An individual can go to the emergency room and express their suicidal thoughts and be treated quite inhumanely. In some instances, patients can be stripped of clothing and personal belongings to prevent them from harming themselves, which may not be the most impactful course of action. Additionally, certain settings could deprive the individual of confidentiality, as can be seen most of the time within school settings. Such places operate under the desire to continuously inform parents of the ongoings of their child, as well as prevent them from suffering from academic troubles as a result of mental health issues. This is especially the case for high school and younger academic years, as such students are still minors, leaving schools the necessity to be forced to contact their parents.

Moreover, it is important to understand the type of therapist that one would expect from different locations. For instance, a school psychologist is generally subject to having to treat patients in large numbers, as institutions tend to have a limited number of psychologists per a much larger student body. This limits the effectiveness of such psychologists, as they are often overworked, and are unable to

develop sufficient interpersonal connections to the patient, and thus students are often granted highly clinical and straightforward responses, as opposed to well-thought out responses derived from the understanding of one’s experiences on their current situation and emotional state.

Another issue is taking that first step, even if you have the proper encouragement to seek help. One solution to combat this could be taking smaller steps, such as showing them a smaller support system (could be a group over social media, resources online such as online/ remote intervention services, etc.)

However, one of the ways we can counter the current limitations in the mental health community is through open communication. Once we begin to address these issues and bring it into the spotlight, we are better able to discuss and theorize solutions for them. For instance, doctors and physicians should receive additional training to treat people in a humane manner, such that those facing mental health issues are not discouraged from seeking help. Rather, doctors should act as a support agent (even if psychology is not necessarily their specialization), such that more efficient doctor-patient communication could occur and foster a much more safe and encouraging environment for those wishing to seek help. Awareness about this issue also needs to be brought more into the spotlight, such as organizing efforts through events, panels, and lectures to spread recognition into those that need mental and emotional help.