Stigma
Stigma
Mental health awareness has come a long way, but the stigma still remains. Stigma can cause people with mental illness and mental health issues to feel ashamed. Would you make fun of or minimize the effects of diabetes or cancer? You should show compassion for anyone with an illness that is out of their control. The stigma of any degree of mental health could prevent someone from getting the help they need.
How do we stop the stigma?
Talk openly about mental illness and discuss it and don’t treat it like it’s a taboo subject. Get treatment when it’s needed and don’t let others label you and DONT label yourself. “Self-stigma” is when you convince yourself that what you are feeling or your mental illness is just a phase or not legitimate. Society or yourself that shames mental disorders like depression, bipolar, anxiety, and PTSD all plays into keeping the stigma alive.
I personally suffer from a number of mental health disorders and I assure you that getting treatment is imperative. Self acknowledging your issues or someone else’s could help to give you or them a new better quality of life or even save a life. Don’t be afraid or try to hide any of it. Although it may be difficult to talk about, get educated and talk with your doctor and reach out for support from friends and family.
Having a mental illness does not make you weak and believing it doesn’t exist or not getting diagnosed could lead you down a path of solitude and pain that can be avoided. Life is a short gift, keeping mental health at the top of your list will bring you more stability and peace to enjoy it. Research on the many ways you can help stop the stigma. You are not alone. Self-care is for everyone.
Thank you for inviting me to be a guest blogger for the week.
Sincerely,
Angelina Altobelli
Disclaimer: Everyone is different and I do not expect everyone to relate. These are just my personal experiences and some things that help me. I have linked a national hotline below that is free and confidential for individuals or families that are struggling with mental disorders.
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