5 Solutions to Combat the Stigma Around Mental Health and Well-Being

Imagine a world in which nearly every fourth person you know is struggling with something invisible, something that makes it hard to smile or be happy. That is the current state of mental health around the world, according to the World Health Organization.

These are frightening numbers—clear proof that mental health is no longer a whispered secret but a conversation we should be having loud and clear. After all this awareness, though, stigma still lurks, making people leery of seeking help. This silence can be deadly. But there’s hope.

This article describes five solutions that can be implemented to counteract the stigmatization of mental health and well-being toward a world that is supportive and more understanding.

Mental Health Stigma & the Role of Society

According to experts, mental health stigma is defined as unfair treatment and discrimination of people by virtue of misconceptions surrounding mental illness. Stigma is the summation of all the negative attitudes and beliefs society holds against persons living with mental health problems.

Stigma can be further divided into the following:

• Public Stigma: Society discriminates against the person who is mentally ill.
• Self-Stigma: Process whereby an individual internalizes negative beliefs concerning his status followed by feelings of shame or guilt.
• Institutional Stigma: Actual policies and practices that limit possibilities among people with mental health condition.

Society is certainly one of the strongest forces behind such stigmas. It is highly unlikely that cultural norms, media portrayals, and everyday conversation are free from bad stereotypes. Stigma thus ceases to allow people in the open for help, fearing condemnation or rejection. However, education may provide a strong impetus toward changing these perceptions.

The most important step in creating a supportive environment would be creating awareness of mental health in schools, places of work, and communities. Online MPH programs can aid individuals looking to make a difference globally by equipping them with knowledge and tools required to lead such initiatives.

Education & Awareness Campaigns

Why don’t people talk about mental health? Normally, it’s because they don’t understand it themselves, or even that others won’t. Education holds the key to breaking these barriers down. With education, as people learn more about mental health, they begin to view it just like any other aspect of life: no different from physical health. But how do we make sure education really does make a difference?

Start Early

Imagine if mental health education were part of the school curriculum, just like math and science. If children from a very tender age learn that it is okay to talk about their feelings and that mental health struggle is nothing to be ashamed of. Introducing them to the education in early mental health, therefore, creates an understanding generation that will support one another.

Community Engagement

Workshops, seminars, and awareness drives should be held in communities to provide insight into mental health. Programs have to reach people where they are—be it a community center, workplace, or online. For example, the UK campaign “Time to Change” has succeeded in reducing stigma by getting people to talk about mental health across multiple community platforms.

Educate and Empower Leaders

Online graduate programs, such as Online MPH, are not only offered to students entering into the field of public health but also aim to equip everyone with knowledge and tools in a bid to spearhead mental health education. Graduates from these programs apply their learning process in making campaigns that reach different demographics to ensure mental health awareness is all-inclusive and widespread.

It is through education that most of the stigma associated with mental health can be eradicated, with understanding replacing ignorance and empathy replacing fear.

Promoting Open Dialogue About Mental Health

When was the last time you had a candid conversation about mental health with a friend, family member, or colleague? Many people shy away from these discussions, but open dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stigma. So, how can we make these conversations more common and less intimidating?

Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation

Safe spaces are environments where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or reprisal. These spaces can be formal, like therapy groups or counseling sessions, or informal, like a regular check-in between friends or colleagues.

By normalizing these conversations, we help to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help.

• Workplaces: Companies can create safe spaces by implementing mental health check-ins, where employees can talk openly about their well-being. Some organizations are now offering regular mental health days or providing access to mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Schools: In educational settings, teachers and counselors can foster open dialogue by incorporating mental health discussions into the curriculum. Peer-led groups, where students can share their experiences in a non-judgmental environment, are particularly effective.

Influencers & Public Figures Leading the Way

Public figures have a unique ability to influence societal attitudes. When celebrities and influencers share their personal mental health journeys, it can encourage others to open up as well. For instance, when Prince Harry spoke about his struggles with mental health, it sparked widespread discussions and made it more acceptable for others to share their own experiences.

Another such powerful example is Demi Lovato. She is among the most famous and long-term mental health advocates. She has been very open about her personal struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction, and bulimia with the public. By being open, Demi dispelled some stereotypes and led honest discussions about mental health.

Mental health stigma plays a huge part in the lives of those with mental health conditions — from how they’re treated to how they feel about themselves. We all can be the difference. We can all help reduce stigma by being more thoughtful in how we speak to others, by educating ourselves about what it’s like to live with mental health conditions, and by sharing our stories when we are living with these conditions.