Enough already. I’ve had enough with this mental health stigma, and I know you all have too. Would we keep someone in our lives who treated us unkindly? Well, we do but eventually with support and a need for self-preservation, we would eventually kick them to the curb. And that’s where we are at with stigma around mental health issues. It’s time to say good riddance to this unhealthy relationship.

A very tiny bit of the history of mental health

Mental health stigma isn’t a new thing. In fact, it’s been around for centuries. In ancient times, people with mental illness were often seen as possessed by evil spirits (some cultures still believe this). They were locked away in inhumane conditions in asylums, isolated and ostracized. Hollywood stereotypes didn’t help either (remember those creepy movies?). By the 19th century, things started to change, with the advent of therapy and new approaches to mental health. But even today, despite better access to mental health care, funding issues and stigma still run deep.

What is mental health stigma exactly?

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), stigma comes in two forms: social stigma and self-stigma. Social stigma is when others judge or treat you negatively because of your mental health challenges. Self-stigma happens when you internalize these negative beliefs about yourself—feeling bad about being ‘bad’ just because you’re struggling. Both kinds of stigma can cause a lot of damage.

Why stigma is bad?

It’s kind of self-explanatory but stigma is bad for your health. It makes us not look for support, leaves us with shame, guilt, and embarrassment. It affects people’s self-esteem, relationships, housing opportunities and job prospects.

It keeps people in the dark and they don’t fully understand what the heck is going on, which continues the perpetual cycle of stigma and poor access to care. Basically, if you are worried about what others think, you may not deal with symptoms, not wanting to own up to being unwell for fear of being “different” or “not normal.” Isolation creeps in, which makes things worse and down the rabbit hole we go.

Don’t you just hate it when someone makes you feel less than? Broken? Simply because you are struggling…with something that isn’t even your freaking fault? And with something that is so mainstream now that it doesn’t even make sense that we aren’t more openly talking about it?? Seriously. Argh.

How do we work on ending stigma?

“This is my Fight Song…take back my life song…prove them all wrong song”

This song from Rachel Patten gives me all the feels and it encompasses what I’m talking about… finally break up with mental health stigma!!

There are some great anti-stigma campaigns (think the Royal’s Head Together) out there, as well as anti-discrimination policies but on an individual level, what can we do empower us to end this toxic relationship?

Here’s how we can take action:

• Fight Edumacation

First, let’s talk about ‘edumacation’—and no, it’s not a typo, (it’s in the Urban Dictionary). It’s a term used to describe a lack of proper education or understanding. And it’s a huge part of why stigma continues to thrive. Misinformation leads to fear, shame, and avoidance. That’s why fighting stigma starts with getting educated—reading books, articles, blogs (like this one!), watching documentaries, and talking to people in the field. The more we know, the more supportive we can be.

• Get treatment. Please, please, please.

In my not so humble opinion, nobody says it better than Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live (check out the skit on SNL): “I deserve good things, I am entitled to my share of happiness. I refuse to beat myself up. I am an attractive person. I am fun to be with.”

Right??? What we are trying to say here is don’t let shame, fear or embarrassment prevent you from getting the support you need and deserve. I’m serious. Millions of people struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives. See a therapist, talk to your doctor, book an appointment with a psychiatrist. Reach out to people you care about, join a support group. Find what works for you but please take care of yourself. You are worth it…more than you will ever know.

• Talk Openly About Mental Health

This requires courage and vulnerability but truly worth it!!! Fighting stigma means putting ourselves out there and saying what’s up. “I have social anxiety,” “I get so depressed sometimes I find it hard to get out of bed,” “I was in the hospital a while ago because I had a psychotic episode.” Start by telling the people you trust and give them some information if they are not familiar. You will not always get the support or kindness you deserve, and discrimination is real. The path to no more stigma is not as easy as singing show tunes down the yellow brick road but being out there about your issues shows you are awesome. Social media gets a long of things wrong but also a lot of things right. I am grateful for the many people who use their platform to normalize mental health issues.

• Check yourself

Meaning…don’t perpetuate stigma. Sometimes we do that without even noticing. Scenarios include Using words like “retarded,” “psycho,” “mental” or saying you have a diagnosis when you don’t (“I’m so OCD” because you like your place tidy or “I’m depressed” when you mean bummed). Look, I love humor like everyone else and I’ve used the word “crazy” and others too. So how about we spit shake on trying to be more aware of our language.

On another note, this also means don’t stop talking to a friend who told you they were diagnosed with depression, anxiety or whatever. Be supportive. If you are uncomfortable, do some reading, ask them questions like: “Want me to come over and you can tell me more about it? I’ve got lots of Ramen noodles and cheap wine. On my way.” That’s human decency. You don’t have say the perfect thing. You just have to show up and care.

It’s time.

So, are we doing this? Let’s not just talk about ending stigma; let’s take action. Start by sharing this post, talking about your own experiences, or reaching out for support when you need it. Together, we can create a world where mental health is treated with the same care and respect as physical health. We’ve got this!