Stand up to stigma: Let’s talk about mental health

Written by Hillary LaMontagne, LCPC, CADC, SIU School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry

1)      Depression.  Anxiety.  Bipolar.  Schizophrenia.  Alcoholism. stand up

2)      Cancer. Diabetes. Asthma.  Heart Disease.  Arthritis.

What do the above two lists have in common?  The answer should be obvious—they are all diseases requiring treatment if those afflicted hope to lead fulfilling lives. However, all too often, those in the first group face stigma which negatively affects their chances at recovery and prevents them from accessing treatment.  Most of us wouldn’t hesitate to tell a family member, friend or coworker if we were suffering from any of the ailments referenced in the second group. Additionally, we would more than likely receive understanding and support to aid in the recovery process.  In spite of the fact that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S experiences mental illness in a given year, openly talking about mental illness remains taboo.  As a therapist, I find my patients often fear disclosing their mental illness to others. Many patients:

  • Fear being fired or facing discrimination at work.
  • Experience a lack of understanding from those closest to them, hearing comments such as, “Just stop feeling sad” or “You’re making yourself miserable.”
  • Worry that they will be defined by their mental illness and treated with kid gloves.  For instance, several of my patients have commented that family members/partners are hesitant to share information with them for fear of triggering a relapse.  Additionally, when they voice a difference of opinion, this is often attributed to their mental illness instead of their right to disagree.
  • Experience concern about being able to establish/maintain romantic relationships due to being viewed as somehow defective.
  • Feel anxiety regarding their ability to access resources such as housing and insurance without discrimination.

We must all join the fight to end stigma surrounding mental illness by:

  • Recognizing that it is a sign of strength and courage to seek help for mental illness.
  • Providing a non-judgmental, listening ear to those dealing with mental illness.
  • Avoiding the use of pejorative language such as “crazy” or “psycho” to describe individuals and experiences we perceive as different.
  • Speaking up when you see examples of stigma in the media or hear others making jokes about mental illness.
  • Being willing to educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
  • Using “person first” language instead of labeling those dealing with mental illness.
  • Refusing to buy into stereotypes about mental illness.

If you or someone you care about is suffering in silence with mental illness, don’t be afraid to get help.  Talk to your primary care doctor or call 217-545-8000 to schedule an appointment with a mental health care professional at SIU School of Medicine. NAMI’s website, www.nami.org, also offers a wealth of information and treatment options regarding mental illness to help you on the road to recovery.