De-stigmatizing the Complexities of Mental Health
by Sharon Squires, RN
This article contains language from the literature, “mental illness” and “mental disorder,” that is stigmatizing, in and of itself, to those struggling with mental health challenges. Therefore, with respect and sensitivity in word choice, “mental health condition,” “mental health challenge,” “mental health concern,” and “mental health struggle” will replace “mental illness” and “mental disorder” where appropriate in this article.
Living in the information age, where just about any subject matter can be accessed via the internet or other social media platforms, misinformation, lack of knowledge, and false beliefs continue to prevail regarding the stigmas surrounding the complexities of mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has put an already burdening disorder in crisis. Forced quarantines, isolations, risks of being infected, lost jobs and wages, and fear of the future only magnified the symptoms in those currently suffering. Many who were coping effectively and living productive lives before the pandemic are now exhibiting stressful symptoms of mental struggle. As a result, the complexity of mental health situations is becoming dire and borderline urgent, as a large percentage of the US population suffers from one or more mental conditions, painfully in silence. “More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a Mental Disorder” (About Mental Health (cdc.gov)); or “57.8 million in 2021” (Mental Health By the Numbers (2023)), compared to “43.4 million in 2018” (Mental Health in America (2018)). Owing to these stigma strongholds, people have dealt with, and many continue to deal with, these issues in silence, refusing to talk about the symptoms they are feeling other than blaming COVID-19 for the disruption in their daily existence.
As we continue this discussion, let us define stigma, mental health challenges, and mental health.
Stigma is “when someone negatively views you because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that is thought to be, or is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common” (Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness - Mayo Clinic).
Mental health challenges (also known as mental illness or mental disorders) are “conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They may be occasional or long-lasting (chronic). They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day” (Mental Disorders, 2023). Some examples of mental concerns include Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, Bipolar, Personality, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia.
Mental Health “is a state of mental wellness that includes - our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood” (About Mental Health (cdc.gov)).
Stigma
People are reluctant to discuss the challenges in mental health. Due to this hesitancy, people lack accurate knowledge and carry false beliefs, which are quite harmful in the long term for many affected. The Mayo Clinic listed some of the detrimental effects of stigma:
“Reluctance to seek help or treatment;”
“Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers, or others;”
“Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing;”
“Bullying, physical violence or harassment;”
“Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your Mental Disorders treatment;” and
“The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation” (Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness- Mayo Clinic).
There is limited research specific to mental health concerns in women other than those already identified. Same-sex, non-binary, bisexual, and HIV people feel more isolated and alone and entertain thoughts of suicide and suicide ideations frequently, as this group already suffers from multiple stigmas (Mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (2021)). Men, because of their perceived masculinity norms and fear of being seen as weak, will decline to seek professional help even if life seems complicated and challenging at times; they hold on to their manhood beliefs of “power, dominance, and privilege over women and some men” (Males and Mental Health Stigma (2020)).On the other hand, blacks and other minority groups are highly suspicious and distrustful. Being marginalized due to ethnic discrimination in housing and jobs and the criminal justice system already prevents this group of people from seeking mental health care (Ethnic-Health-Inequalities-Kings-Fund-Report.pdf (nhsrho.org, 2021).
Personal Stories
Madchen Amick, an actress who stars in a TV series called “Riverdale,” discusses her family's bipolar journey of her teenage son. He was a college freshman when, after witnessing a traumatic event, he started exhibiting symptoms of a mental struggle. Initially thought to be on drugs, but with treatment, he was diagnosed with a bipolar condition. Her son is doing well now and is serving as a treatment center counselor (Removing Stigma, (2019)).
Taraji P. Henson, an actress known most recently for her role in “The Color Purple” and for her roles in "Empire" and "Hidden Figures," reveals that she has personally struggled with anxiety and depression. She talks about how she entertained thoughts of suicide (suicide ideations) but had a therapist who helped her address those thoughts in a safe space (Starting the Conversation to Improve Mental Health, (2022)).
Kevin Delano suffered from depression and struggled with addiction in his teen years. He attempted suicide at age 16. At age 46, now more than 25 years later, Kevin is sober since seeking professional mental health and treatment for his bipolar condition. He, too, carried the misconception of feeling weak as a man if he shared that he was battling a mental health challenge (Removing the Stigma from Men's Mental Health (2019)).
Kevin Love, an NBA star with the Cleveland Cavaliers, discusses living with his diagnosis of anxiety and depression and experiencing panic attacks in the middle of an NBA game with thousands of fans watching. He thought he was suffering from a physical condition, not knowing what a panic attack was. After realizing he was in good physical health, he sought mental therapy and learned about his mental health challenges (Reaching Great Heights with Anxiety and Depression (2019)).
Facts Ending False Beliefs
Many, if not all, associated stigmas can be discredited by this one truth that mental health challenges do not play favorites: “Mental Disorders do not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background, or other aspect of cultural identity. While Mental Disorders can occur at any age, three-fourths of all Mental Disorders begin by age 24” (What is Mental Illness, (2022)).
Another dispelling truth is that there are over 200 types of mental health conditions. Most are treatable with “talk therapy (psychotherapy), medication, or both” (Mental Health Disorders: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment Options (2022)). Many of these challenges are common in the United States, and some condition types occur more frequently than others. Genetics could be responsible for some conditions, but many other causes exist. Fear, sadness, alcohol, or drug use are just a few of the multitude of symptoms identified in people exhibiting mental health struggles. Seeking early treatment is vital; it can decrease the progression of symptoms, achieve improvement, and return many people to normal functioning.
Moving Past Stigma
Fortunately, there are remedies to educate and increase awareness to eliminate the stigmas circling mental health challenges. The most critical, crucial action for those affected is seeking treatment. Seeking treatment will establish an accurate diagnosis and decrease or eliminate the symptoms preventing a person from living a meaningful daily life. Open and honest discussions are an excellent idea and can help defeat false information and beliefs. As peer and support groups evolve, the members can reach a broader audience through letter writing to news outlets and social media platforms. The National Alliance on Mental Disorders (NAMI) is a strong support group for individuals, families, and the public concerning matters related to mental health. They are also heavily involved in research, treatments, education, and advocacy (Mental Health Disorders: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment, (2022)).
Actress Madchen is now an advocate for destigmatizing bipolar struggles through open discussions. She states that she and her entire family are raising awareness by working with Glenn Close's organization to advocate for mental health. She also created a mental health talk show called "Behind the Curtain." She advocates for people to speak up and not be afraid or ashamed. Madchen is looking to executive produce segments of her TV show “Riverdale” with mental health content, bringing awareness that will open doors to further discussion. Madchen also stresses the importance of more research (Removing Stigma, (2019)).
Actress Taraji P. Henson advocates for improved mental health treatment and for the associated costs to be more affordable, and she wants to see therapy for those suffering from drug addiction. Taraji started the "Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation," named after her father, who suffered from mental struggles. She is opening dialogue by getting people to talk about mental challenges openly. Taraji also has a Facebook Watch series called “Peace of Mind with Taraji,” addressing the issue of stigma among women of color. She wants to see more culturally competent mental health professionals, as there is a lack of African-American mental health providers. Black people need to trust and feel safe asking for help and seeking treatment (Starting the Conversation to Improve Mental Health, (2022)).
NBA Star Kevin Love advocates raising awareness about mental health, especially for men and athletes. Kevin is talking about it more openly to bring about change. He has started the “Kevin Love Fund” to help normalize the conversation around mental health (Reaching Great Heights with Anxiety and Depression (2019)).
Recommendations also suggest that people who are suffering from a mental health challenge need to come to terms with it and accept it. They should also find out how to treat it, seek that treatment, and not be afraid to ask for help and support. Moreover, the education of friends and family can make a tremendous difference (Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of Mental Illness - Mayo Clinic). Becoming well-informed about mental concerns and what is happening in the brain can help individuals and families understand the significance of symptoms, how an illness might develop, and what actions can help (Warning Signs of Mental Illness, 2022).
Conclusion
Mental health challenges are not more prevalent in one class of people versus another. It can wreak havoc across all ethnic and socioeconomic groups equally. However, environmental circumstances can affect some groups more than others. Mental health challenges are diagnosed and treated like any other medical condition. The literature states that there needs to be more open communication in established peer groups for men and women, among friends, family members, and organizations, to normalize the condition and make it a part of everyday life. The alternative remains harmful as people suffer in silence until they do not, ultimately committing suicide in some cases. The more people speak up regarding their symptoms, the more research can provide better treatment. There is also support for better and more affordable mental health care and treatment for those also suffering from addictions. More importantly, people who are struggling with their mental health need to accept it, ask for help, and pursue treatment. Mental health conditions are treatable and curable in some cases, even preventable. Those challenges requiring ongoing treatment can become manageable with little interruption to the daily routines of life. A robust support system is also crucial and helpful to a person with mental struggles. Those suffering may find others like themselves if they speak up and realize they are not alone; there is hope, and life can improve. These are just the initial steps in destigmatizing mental health concerns. Additionally, the language we use to describe mental health issues is stigmatizing and needs to evolve into more compassionate tones. As Steven Michelman says, “WORDS MATTER, our language matters” (PSummer23_MentalHealth.pdf (lightingandsoundamerica.com)). Inclusivity of all is what will bring mental health challenges under better management, improve outcomes, and help people live quality lives.
Link to Free and Low-Cost Mental Health Resources in the Los Angeles Area:
Free mental health resources Los Angeles - Google Search
Link to Mental Health Peer Groups in the Los Angeles Area:
mental health peer groups in Los Angeles County - Google Search
References
About Mental Health. (2023, April 25). Retrieved January 2, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/
PSummer23_MentalHealth.pdf (lightingandsoundamerica.com). Dismantling stigma one word at a time. Steven Michelman (2023). Retrieved January 21, 2024 from https://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/mailing/Protocol/PSummer23_MentalHealth.pdf
Ethnic-Health-Inequalities-Kings-Fund-Report.pdf (nhsrho.org). (2021). Retrieved January 2, 2024, from https://www.nhsrho.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ethnic Health-Inequalities-Kings-Fund-Report.pdf
Males and Mental Health Stigma - PMC (nih.gov). (2022). Retrieved January 18, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7444121/
Mental Disorders. (2023, March 16). Retrieved, December 28, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html
Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. (May 24, 2017). Retrieved January 2, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/ART-20046477?p=1
Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (April 2023). Retrieved January 18, 2024 from https://www.nami.org/mhstats
Mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people: An integrated literature review - PMC (nih.gov) (2021). Retrieved January 18, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7876969/
Mental Health Disorders: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment Options (clevelandclinic.org). (2022). Retrieved January 18, 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22295-mental-health-disorders
Mental Health in America - Adult Data 2018 | Mental Health America (mhanational.org). Retrieved 1/11/2024 from https://www.mhanational.org/issues/mental-health-america-adult-data-2018
Reaching great heights with anxiety and depression | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. (2019). Retrieved December 28, 2023 from, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/reaching-great-heights-with-anxiety- and-depression
Removing stigma. (August 21, 2019). Retrieved January 2, 2024, from https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/removing-stigma
Removing the stigma from men's mental health | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. (November 7, 2019). Retrieved January 2, 2024, from https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/removing-the-stigma-from-mens-mental-health
Starting the conversation to improve mental health | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine (May 4, 2022) Retrieved December 28, 2023 from https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/starting-the-conversation-to-improve-mental-health
Warning Signs of Mental Illness. (2022). Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
What is Mental Illness? (November 2022). Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
