Are you thinking about seeking mental health treatment? Despite the significant benefits that treatment can offer, people often have reservations about taking the steps to get the help they need. Hesitation is often caused by stigmas and a fear of stigmas surrounding mental health. If you’re feeling reluctant to get treatment, it can help to learn more about mental health. Contrary to some misconceptions, mental health treatment can be beneficial and even necessary.

6 common stigmas around mental health

Stigmas can have many sources. Some stigmas are structural, being perpetuated by discriminatory laws and practices. Others are social, coming from negative social prejudices and stereotypes. You may even develop self-stigma by internalizing negative beliefs about your own identity or condition. The impact of mental health stigma is real. According to one study, stigma has been implicated in worsening outcomes for people with serious mental health disorders.

A stigma is often revealed in discriminatory or judgmental comments. Understanding the problems with some of the most common stigmas around mental health can help you embrace a more inclusive, accepting understanding of mental health. Here are some of the most common stigmas regarding mental health conditions:

1. Mental health disorders aren’t real — Have you ever heard someone say that mental health symptoms are “just in your head”? This kind of comment is a common way to dismiss legitimate mental health conditions. The stigmatizing idea that mental health disorders aren’t real can be harmful. By trivializing the experiences of those experiencing conditions like depression and anxiety, this stigma can discourage people from seeking the treatment they need. In addition to being harmful, this stigma is also not rooted in evidence. Mental health and physical health are closely linked. Mental health disorders can directly affect your physical well-being. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. To maintain good overall health, it’s important to take care of your body and mind.
2. Getting help is a sign of weakness — Sometimes mental health conditions are stigmatized as weakness. This stigma implies that getting help is a sign of personal failure or a lack of resilience. If you feel like getting help shows weakness, you may continue to mask your symptoms and avoid treatment. This can lead to worsened symptoms and increased feelings of isolation. If you’re struggling with this stigma, it’s important to recognize that seeking help takes courage. Acknowledging your symptoms and a need for help can be a sign of strength and maturity.
3. People with mental health disorders should snap out of it — This is an idea often connected to other stigmas. In the past, you may have heard that people dealing with mental health challenges should “snap out of it.” This stigma reveals a major misconception regarding mental health. It portrays mental health disorders as temporary moods rather than persistent, complex conditions. In reality, mental health disorders can sometimes require years of comprehensive treatment. Not being able to “snap out” of depression or anxiety isn’t a personal failure. It simply means that you may need more tools and professional support to improve your mental health.
4. It’s all for attention — Sometimes people unfairly judge and stigmatize discussions about mental health as being self-serving. This can discourage open conversations, as people may fear being seen as attention seeking or self-pitying. In reality, talking about mental health can help everyone. Speaking openly about mental health can spread understanding and reduce stigma.
5. People who act happy don’t struggle with mental health — Mental health symptoms aren’t always obvious on the surface. Fearing stigma and discrimination, people often mask their symptoms. Anyone, including you, can struggle with mental health without exhibiting clear outward signs of distress. The validity of your condition isn’t dependent on what other people see. If you feel you need help, you can seek treatment.
6. Mental health can’t be treated — Do you feel mental health is something that can’t be changed? Mental health conditions are sometimes stigmatized as untreatable, permanent facets of a person’s identity. This stigma can make your struggles feel hopeless. Fortunately, mental health conditions can in fact be treated. With the right treatment approach, you can start making real strides toward lasting recovery.

Lightfully Behavioral Health takes a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to mental health

Do you want to get treatment in an inclusive, supportive environment? Lightfully Behavioral Health offers compassionate, whole-person-centered care for a range of mental health disorders. Our licensed clinical experts treat each client with the respect, dignity and kindness they deserve. With our help, you can experience the benefits of communal support and an innovative, holistic treatment model.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.