Mental Health: Overcoming The Fear Of Being Stigmatized

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated December 26, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Due to the efforts of mental health advocates and organizations, greater social media exposure, and the increased popularity of online therapy platforms—people are having more open conversations about mental health, and millions of US adults are going to therapy. Although mental health is becoming more widely recognized as an essential part of overall health, stigma persists as a barrier to seeking help. Below, look closer at mental health stigma, how this challenge might impact individuals with mental health issues, and what you can do to reduce stigma. 

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Seeking mental health treatment is brave

What is mental health stigma?  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "mental health stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that people hold towards individuals experiencing mental health conditions.” Stigma can be societal, self-imposed, or structural, affecting people from all walks of life in every part of the world. Regardless of the source, stigma often perpetuates fear and avoidance of mental health treatment.  

The effects of stigma on the individual

People experiencing stigma might fear judgment, rejection, or being labeled "weak." Such fears may prevent individuals from seeking professional treatment for mental health issues, delaying diagnosis and recovery. Other potential effects of mental health stigma on individuals include:

  • Social isolation: A sense of being judged or misunderstood by others can lead to withdrawal from social activities and relationships, increasing loneliness. 
  • Low self-esteem: Internalizing negative stereotypes about mental illness can significantly damage self-worth and confidence. 
  • Increased stress and anxiety: The constant worry about being judged or discriminated against can exacerbate mental health symptoms. 
  • Self-blame and guilt: Individuals may blame themselves for their mental illness, further contributing to distress. 
  • Difficulty in daily productivity: Stigma can lead to workplace challenges, including job insecurity, discrimination, and difficulty getting promotions. 

The consequences of mental health stigma for society

Often, misconceptions about mental illness contribute to negative attitudes and stereotypes within the community. These stereotypes may create a perpetual cycle in which discrimination and misinformation cause people to avoid treatment—thereby worsening symptoms and deepening the stigma. On a broader level, this phenomenon can potentially cause a wide range of issues impacting all of society, including but not limited to the following:  

  • Economic troubles: Reduced workforce participation and other micro/macro-economic problems due to mental health issues can have significant financial consequences. 
  • Increased risk of violence: Stereotypes associating mental illness with physical violence can lead to fear and discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder. 
  • Discrimination in healthcare: Individuals with mental illness may face difficulties accessing quality healthcare due to prejudice from healthcare providers. 
  • Limited policy support: Stigma can hinder the development and implementation of supportive policies for people with mental illness. 
  • Reduced research funding: Negative perceptions of mental illness can lead to less funding for research into treatment and prevention strategies. 

Benefits of treatment for people with mental illness

Therapy benefits range from the individual to the greater community. For example, mental health treatment can help people feel better emotionally and psychologically. Treatment can also lead to fewer sick days, less disability, and fewer medical problems—factors that highly influence socioeconomic health. 

Therapy can help people improve their relationships with others by teaching them how to communicate, resolve conflicts, and build trust. A therapist can help people understand themselves and their motivations by providing a safe space to reflect on their thoughts and behaviors, which is particularly helpful to people who fear being stigmatized. Mental health professionals can also teach people coping skills to help them manage stress, emotional challenges, and psychological symptoms.

A mental health professional can help people understand their condition and how it's affecting their lives. With proper treatment, individuals can slow or prevent the development of more severe mental health issues in the future. 

Tips for helping someone overcome mental health stigma

Everyone’s experience with mental illness is different, and attitudes are typically the result of a culmination of factors. If you or someone you know is facing mental health stigma, there are steps you can take that might challenge stigma to shift perceptions and reduce negative impacts, including the following. 

Build trust

Building trust often begins with empathizing and validating the individual’s fears of stigmatization without dismissing them. Let them know they aren’t alone; stigma is one of the reasons why over half of people with mental health issues in the US don’t receive help. Create a safe space where the individual can be comfortable discussing sensitive matters like stigma that they might not otherwise discuss with others. 

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Listen without pressure 

Once the person is willing to talk, practice active listening. Set aside time to give them your full attention and keep your questions open-ended. Don't try to rush or force the conversation; instead, allow them to discuss what's on their mind at their own pace. Seeking help is a personal choice. Let them know you're not there to "make" them go to therapy; you're simply there to listen. Listen to understand instead of to respond or offer your opinion. From this lens, you may be more able to offer validation instead of advice. You can then ask if they want advice after they’ve finished talking. A question to ask is, “Do you want me to offer advice or just listen and validate you right now?” 

Encourage people with mental illness to practice self-compassion and care 

People facing stigma may have trouble with negative self-talk and judgment. Encourage them to challenge and reframe negative beliefs around mental illness and stigma. In addition, encourage them to care for themselves mentally and physically by managing stress, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and eating nutritious meals. These steps may help them build confidence in their ability to heal and grow.  

Research mental health services together

Learn about mental health conditions and how they’re treated together. Help them explore their options for therapists, support groups, or online resources. If they decide to try therapy, offer to support them in any way they need throughout the process. For example, you might drive them to their first appointment or get them a coffee to celebrate their first day of treatment. 

Be patient and consistent  

Change may take time—some people can recognize and reframe their thoughts about mental health stigma easily, while others may struggle at first. Try to support them without pressuring them. Let them know you're there when they need you, whether they choose to try therapy or not. 

How you can challenge mental health stigma 

Myths and misinformation about mental health challenges and mental illness treatment can fuel issues of stigmatization. Common false beliefs that might cultivate stigma include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Therapy is only for people with severe mental illnesses
  • Mental health issues are a sign of weakness
  • People struggling with mental health issues can "get over it"
  • People with mental illness can't recover
  • Men shouldn’t go to therapy
  • Talking about problems with a therapist is a waste of time

Regardless of where the myths originate, people can help others overcome mental health stigma on a larger scale in their schools, communities, and workplaces. You might become involved with local organizations or advocacy groups—or take steps in your everyday life by educating yourself about mental health, normalizing mental illness, and modeling healthy attitudes. 

Dispel myths with education

Educate yourself about mental illness, therapy, and therapists to counter misconceptions. Share what you’ve learned with others. For example, some people are reluctant to see a therapist because they don’t understand discretion and professional ethics in therapy. If this is the case, let them know that, like medical doctors, therapists are bound by ethical guidelines to protect their patient’s boundaries and information.

Share evidence-based information with individuals who don't believe therapy can help them. Research shows that most people (about 75%) who undergo psychotherapy experience benefits like symptom relief and an improved quality of life. Depending on the specific mental illness, a combination of medication and therapy can be particularly effective, leading to significant symptom reduction in a large majority of patients.  

Acknowledge and normalize mental illness 

From celebrities to government figures to thought leaders, people from around the world are sharing their stories and experiences to reduce mental illness stigma. Open conversations can help others understand that mental health struggles are common, treatable, and nothing to feel shame over. 

Role model healthy attitudes toward mental health

Voice your opinions and demonstrate openness about seeking help when needed. By speaking out and addressing mental health stigma, you can help others see that mental health care is as valid as physical health care. 

Encouraging people to seek mental health services

If you or someone you know has mental health problems but is still hesitant to actively seek therapy, begin with smaller steps. For example, suggest less intimidating entry points like self-help books, apps, anonymous online groups, or virtual therapy. Stay mindful of the resources you use—anonymous group therapy and other non-verified sources might not be suitable or helpful for some people. Look for a licensed mental health professional working with a reputable, online therapy platform.

Getty/Vadym Pastukh
Seeking mental health treatment is brave

Why online therapy may be a solution for people who fear being stigmatized

Studies suggest that online therapy may be suitable for people reluctant to seek treatment in several ways. For example, in an Irish study published by The Journal of Medical Internet Research, participants with mental health concerns reported ease of access, anonymity and convenience, inclusivity, and the ability to share experiences with others as among the most common benefits of online therapy. 

Additionally, online therapy increased some participants' sense of control over the therapeutic process and encouraged treatment adherence. Research also shows that online therapy promotes earlier intervention, which can be critical for helping people reduce symptoms and minimize potential long-term impacts of mental health conditions. Through online platforms like BetterHelp, clients can receive care from home or any location with an internet connection via phone, video, or live chat. In addition, online therapy is often more cost-effective. 

Takeaway

Everyone can play a role in reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness through open and informed conversation. With empathy, education, and ongoing support, you can help yourself and others in your community overcome fears about mental health stigma and begin the journey to healing. For personalized support, consider reaching out to a therapist in your area or online.

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