I stared at the packet, which held all the information about my bipolar diagnosis. I sat on the bed in the mental hospital just after the nurse handed me a thick document containing all the answers to my burning questions. While I read the packet with tears in my eyes, I wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” I didn’t think about what happened to me after I experienced mania for the first time. I immediately thought that this diagnosis dictated my character.
Reducing Mental Health Stigma
It’s interesting to note that “over 50% of individuals will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime, making such conditions more common and relatable than previously realized,” yet mental health stigma remains pervasive.
Think about it: if we saw someone with a broken leg, we wouldn’t hesitate to ask: “what happened to that person?” but when someone mentions that they’re struggling with severe depression, we ask: “What’s wrong with that person?”
Demonizing mental health conditions perpetuates the stigma surrounding them. In order to provide support to those who are struggling to manage mental illness, we should practice three fundamental steps in breaking the mental health stigma.
1. Create More Safe Spaces to Speak About Mental Health
Dealing with a mental health condition can be isolating, so it is important that there are safe spaces for additional support. My support system helped me process my diagnosis and gave me the encouragement that I needed to effectively manage my condition. We can create these safe spaces by eliminating shame and loving one another. Being vulnerable with one another about our experiences helps to provide validation and hope for dark times.
As James 5:16 NIV states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This shows that having a safe space that fosters vulnerability and connection can help to remove the harmful mental health stigma associated with mental disorders.
In fact, according to psychologist Rebecca Leon, “For many people, feeling like they are part of a community can be a powerful source of emotional support and validation. Safe spaces allow individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences and who understand the unique challenges they may be facing.”
2. Intentionally Do More Research About Mental Health Conditions
After I was released from the hospital, I had no idea what I needed to do in order to manage my bipolar diagnosis. Thankfully, my mother did the research and bought some books (one of them being “Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast) that provided the context and tips for learning how to manage my bipolar disorder.
Before making assumptions about what might be wrong with someone, try to research the effects of mental health conditions on a person’s life. Doing research can have a significant impact on breaking the stigma and supporting others who might be struggling to manage their mental health. In fact, “by educating ourselves, we can become better allies to those around us who may be experiencing mental health challenges.” We can provide support, empathy, and access to a network of information if we learn how to prioritize mental health education.
There are various helpful resources for mental health education including the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Psychology Today, and Black Mental Health Alliance to name a few. These resources not only provide education. They also create connections to different treatment plans and mental health professionals. Sharing these resources can help to connect those in need to proper mental health treatment programs. You can find even more resources on our Mental Health Resources page.
3. Start Humanizing Those Who Struggle with Mental Health Conditions
It took me a while to get comfortable with sharing my experiences with bipolar disorder. I was prepared to be scrutinized and ostracized by those close to me and society as a whole. After sharing my manic episode with my inner circle, I was met with compassion and understanding. These reactions helped me to feel more confident in sharing my journey with others.
People with mental health conditions are often judged because of the preconceived notion that they have a character flaw due to their illness. It’s unfortunate that “one in five adults in the U.S.—around 47.6 million people—experience mental illness. Less than half seek treatment.” This shows that while mental health awareness is growing, there is still stigmatization in workplaces, churches, schools, and many more areas in the public sector.
In sharing my story, I learned that my diagnosis does not define my character or what I can accomplish in life. Showing empathy and encouraging those who are managing mental disorders can help to increase support and motivate those individuals to seek the treatment that they need.
By creating more safe spaces, prioritizing research about psychological disorders, and empathizing with those who struggle with managing mental health disorders, we are able to shift the conversation from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” As Ephesians 4:32 NIV states, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Breaking the stigma starts with showing compassion to those who are struggling with mental health.
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