According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people in the world will be affected by a mental health disorder. There are currently 450 million people who have mental health disorders, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide.

In Canada, over the past decade, I have seen a revolution in people’s perceptions of mental health. One factor contributing to this change is the annual Bell Let’s Talk campaign, established in 2010 to raise awareness and understanding and help combat mental health stigma. In the United Kingdom, the Time to Talk campaign, organised by Time to Change, aims to change the conversation around mental health in the workplace and reduce stigma and discrimination.

It is encouraging to see that people all over the world are now having serious and open discussions about mental health and well-being compared to fifteen years ago, when individuals used to “tiptoe” and speak in a “hush-hush” manner about the topic. Currently, on various social media platforms and blogs, individuals are expressing their experiences with mental illness through drawings, poetry, drama, and photography. Celebrities are also sharing their personal experiences and championing a “stigma-free” world. What was once kept private is now becoming part of public discourse. However, despite this transparency, stigma still exists and remains a barrier for Canadians seeking treatment.

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, there is “widespread stigma: in hospitals, workplaces, and schools; in rural and urban communities; even among close friends and families.”

Stigma is defined as the association of negative characteristics with a particular group of people, leading to their devaluation in society through discrimination. It can result in shame, disgrace, dishonour, humiliation, and the marginalization or ostracism of individuals with mental illness. Mental illness should be taken as seriously as physical ailments.

You would never hear someone say to a person with cancer or diabetes, “snap out of it,” “you are not trying hard enough,” or “get a grip.” Yet, these phrases are often directed at individuals with mental health disorders.

There’s a pernicious misconception in our world that physical issues are more valid than mental health issues. This is not true. Physical ailments are often more easily understood and validated by others as legitimate and painful. However, when a mental health condition is continually invalidated, it can add to the individual’s suffering, much like applying salt to a wound or fuel to a fire. To be clear, physical illness is not more important than mental illness and believing so can contribute to stigmatization.

There are three categories of stigma:
1) Stereotypes – collective notions used to categorize a group;
2) Prejudice – preconceived ideas involving bigotry, bias, intolerance, and negative attitudes;
3) Discrimination – behavioural responses that may result in the denial of employment, loans, insurance, or education.

Here are five tips to help cope with mental health stigma:

a) Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need help, but don’t let fear of being labeled prevent you from seeking support.
b) Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame. It can come from within as well as from others.
c) Seek support and education. Counselling, learning about your condition, and connecting with others can help build self-esteem and overcome negative self-judgment.
d) Separate yourself from your illness. For example, instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.”
e) Join a support group. Organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offer programs and resources to reduce stigma.
f) Access support in educational settings. If mental illness affects learning, speak to teachers or administrators about available accommodations and support.

Over the years, I have observed that people speak openly about illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease, often receiving sympathy. However, when someone discloses depression or anxiety, they may be labeled as weak, dangerous, or dishonest. These are harmful myths, often reinforced by sensationalized media portrayals suggesting that individuals with mental illness are volatile or aggressive.

One way to alleviate stigma is through education, learning the facts and discussing mental illness openly and honestly, especially when misinformation arises. Another important approach is kindness. Simple acts, such as offering a smile, listening attentively, or inviting someone for coffee, can make a significant difference. These gestures help open dialogue and reassure others that they are not alone.

As Adam Ant once said, “Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It is the final taboo, and it must be faced and dealt with.” Among mental health advocates, including myself, it is widely understood that mental health is just as important as physical health.

I encourage everyone to bring mental illness out of the shadows, reach out and create a stigma-free world.

~ Karen B.

Source:

• Bell Let’s Talk
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Mayo Clinic
• Mental Health Commission of Canada
• Mental Health Platform
• World Health Organization