Stigma & Obstacles

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

Research shows that people who contemplate and/or attempt suicide are more likely to talk about their plans than not talk about them. They are more likely to tell a friend about how they are feeling. And the majority of people who attempt suicide have a treatable mental condition—which means that there is hope for them to feel better, and the opportunity for people to help.

Suicide is linked to many illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. However, it is NOT mental illness that causes someone to become suicidal. It is the COMBINATION of mental illness, severe stress, psychological pain, and other factors.

The VERY GOOD NEWS is that it is treatable. So, if it’s treatable why don’t we talk about it? 

There is still a stigma when it comes to mental health and mental illness. A stigma is a set of negative, often unfair, beliefs that a society or group of people have about something. We need to lessen the stigma that surrounds mental illness, and education along with talking about it are ways to do that. 

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Rethink How To Talk About It

Changing the way we think about mental illness and mental health means changing the way we talk about them. When talking with others about mental illness and mental health, try to avoid words that reinforce the stigma and use more inclusive languages that increases empathy.

Avoid Words That Reinforce Stigma

  • Attention seeker

  • Freak

  • Downy

  • Loony

  • Handicapped

  • Reject

  • Slow

  • Weirdo

  • Disturbed

  • Nuts

  • Psycho

  • Spastic

  • Crazy

  • Saying “She’s mentally ill.”

  • Saying “He’s schizophrenic.”

Use Words That Increase Empathy

  • Reassurance

  • Inclusion

  • Compassion

  • Understanding

  • Education

  • Perception

  • Support

  • Facts

  • Empower

  • Respect

  • Thoughtful

  • Gratitude

  • Strength

  • Saying “She has a mental illness.”

  • Saying “He was diagnosed with schizophrenia.”

Five Ways To Reduce Mental Health Stigma

 
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Talk openly about mental health

Sharing your own experiences and being there to listen to and support others as they talk about their experiences helps bring mental health out into the open.

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Educate yourself and others

Learning about mental health and mental illness helps destigmatize the topics for yourself and others.

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Be conscious of language

Using language that is inclusive of our differences helps establish belonging and diminishes feelings of being an “outsider.” 

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Choose empowerment over shame

Feeling shame about who you are can make you want to hide and may cause unnecessary stress. Being who you truly are encourages others to do the same.

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Don’t harbor self-stigma

Having a mental illness doesn’t mean that you are unhealthy or unworthy. Mental illness is not anyone’s fault and there are ways to live a happy, healthy life.

 
 

Other Obstacles

Can you think of a time when you needed help, yet didn’t ask for it? Do you remember a time when you offered help to someone only to have that person say, “It’s okay, I don’t need help”? There are cultural, societal, familial, and personal things going on around asking for help, offering help, and/or accepting help—these are obstacles. 

 

 “Obstacles can get in the way of us getting important help or helping others when they need it.”

 

Obstacles Keep You From Seeking Help Or Helping Others:

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Helping Yourself

  • Feeling as though you should be able to handle it yourself

  • Not wanting to “burden” people

  • Consequences—fear of not knowing what would happen if they told

 
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Helping Others

  • Invading someone’s personal space; not wanting to intrude

  • Too busy—wanted and intended to help, but moved on to the next thing

  • Not knowing what to do—fear of losing a friend, making things worse, not knowing what steps to take, or not knowing how to start the conversation

 
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Overcome Obstacles

Obstacles are natural and normal, but they can be expected and overcome. Education is a good first step. It also requires a more open, honest conversation about the topic. End the stigma around mental health by starting conversations about it. 

 

Tips To Overcome Obstacles:  

  • It’s okay to “upset” people, this could be an opportunity to save someone’s life! 

  • Keep in mind that treatment is available and effective. 

  • If something feels wrong, escalate it. You do not have to manage it on your own. 

  • If you see warning signs, ask the person straight out about any thoughts of suicide.
    You will not give them an idea that he/she doesn’t already have. 

  • If a person admits to plans for suicide, DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE!

  • Challenge yourself to be active in reducing stigma. It’s okay to not feel okay.

  • Remember that getting help is a STRENGTH, not a weakness.