How to Cope With Stigma When You Have a Mental Illness

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistorySignsTypesCauses of StigmaImpactCoping

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

History

Signs

Types

Causes of Stigma

Impact

Coping

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Stigma involves negative attitudes or discrimination against someone based on a distinguishing characteristic such as a mental illness, health condition, or disability. Social stigmas can also be related to other characteristics including gender, sexuality, race, religion, and culture.

Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health is still common. While stigma is not limited to mental conditions, attitudes towards psychiatric illnesses tend to be more negative than that toward medical conditions.

Research has shown that stigma is one of the leading risk factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes. Stigma leads to delays in treatment. It also reduces the chances that a person with mental illness will receive appropriate and adequate care.

History of Mental Illness Stigma

Mental illness has a long history of being stigmatized in societies around the globe. From being thought of as the mark of the devil to being considered a moral punishment, the ideologies around the etiology of mental illness have ranged wide.

As a result, treatment has historically not always made scientific sense and has been brutal and inhumane. Dating back to Neolithic times, trephining, for example, involved chipping a hole in the person’s skull to release the evil spirits.Treatment of mental illness has come a long way since then, but the fields ofpsychologyand psychiatry are relatively young and still have a long way to go.

Stigma has arisen out of fear and a lack of understanding. It has persisted even with greater knowledge about the biochemical and genetic natures of different conditions. The representation of mental illness in mass media can add to the stigma.

As scientists continue to learn more about the causes of mental illness and develop effective treatments, it is hoped that stigma will decline.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental condition, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental condition, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How Mass Media Reinforces Mental Health Stigma

Signs of Stigma

Examples of how stigma is perpetuated include:

Anyone who has had experience with mental illness, personally or professionally, can tell you that despite advances in psychiatry and psychology, a great deal of stigma remains. While people have become more informed about mental disorders in general, stigma continues to be a reality.

How Halloween Costumes Contribute to Stigma

Types of Stigma

The stigma associated with mental illness can be divided into two types:

A 2013 review of studies on the public stigma of mental illness showed that stigma is still widespread, even as the public has become more aware of the nature of different mental health conditions. While the public may accept the medical or genetic nature of psychiatric illness and the need for treatment, many people still have a negative view of those with mental health conditions.

How Common Is Stigma?Prevalence estimates suggest that stigma is common, although it varies depending on the population, condition, and individual factors. For example, the prevalence of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia is around 62.6%.Self-stigma, which involves internalized negative attitudes, is also common, affecting around 54.4% of people with psychiatric conditions.

How Common Is Stigma?

Prevalence estimates suggest that stigma is common, although it varies depending on the population, condition, and individual factors. For example, the prevalence of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia is around 62.6%.Self-stigma, which involves internalized negative attitudes, is also common, affecting around 54.4% of people with psychiatric conditions.

Perceived stigma leads to an internalized shame about having a mental illness. It has been found in a long-term study that this sort of internalized stigma leads to poorer treatment outcomes.

Mental health stigma has been attributed to a number of different factors. Some causes that potentially play a role include:

Stereotypes

Generalized and discriminatory stereotypes about people with mental illnesses often play a major role in stigma. For example, people with mental illness are often stereotyped as violent or unpredictable. While this stereotype is common, the reality is that people with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of violence than to perpetrate it.

Lack of Awareness

Many people simply lack awareness of symptoms, causes, prevalence, and treatments for mental illness. This lack of understanding contributes to poor perceptions about different mental illnesses and the people who experience these conditions.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults, or around 52.9 million people, live with a mental illness.

Media Portrayals

Media depictions of people with mental illness also play a part in perpetuating stigma.Mental health conditions are often depicted negatively, and media reports often attempt to link criminal activity and violence to mental health problems.

Signs of Different Types of Biases and How to Overcome Each of Them

Impact of Stigma

The consequences of stigma can be serious and devastating. With stigma comes a lack of understanding from others, which can be invalidating and painful, but stigma also carries more serious consequences including fueling fear, anger, and intolerance directed at other people. People who are subjected to stigma are more likely to experience:

The stigma surrounding mental health can make it less likely that people will seek treatment. Some conditions may worsen over time without treatment, so failing to seek treatment ultimately worsens outcomes.

Stigma can also cause people to doubt themselves and their abilities to achieve their goals in life. It can also lead to feelings of shame and even isolation. It may make it harder for people to find jobs and adequate housing.

Tips to Combat Stigma

Overcoming stigma is not easy, but there are steps that you can take to deal with negative attitudes about mental health conditions. There are some things that you can do to help combat both social stigma and self-perceived stigma about mental illness.

While stigma continues to exist, it can be eventually eliminated with greater education and awareness about mental illness.

Top Nonprofits and Charities for Mental Health

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Bureau Y.Stigma of mental illness-1: Clinical reflections.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):70‐84. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.90181Kushner DS, Verano JW, Titelbaum AR.Trepanation procedures/outcomes: Comparison of prehistoric Peru with other ancient, medieval, and American civil war cranial surgery.World Neurosurg.2018;114:245-251. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.143Manderscheid RW, Ryff CD, Freeman EJ, McKnight-Eily LR, Dhingra S, Strine TW.Evolving definitions of mental illness and wellness.Prev Chronic Dis. 2010;7(1):A19Parcesepe AM, Cabassa LJ.Public stigma of mental illness in the United States: A systematic literature review.Adm Policy Ment Health. 2013;40(5):384–399. doi:10.1007/s10488-012-0430-zTesfaw G, Kibru B, Ayano G.Prevalence and factors associated with higher levels of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Int J Ment Health Syst. 2020;14(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13033-020-00348-9Maharjan S, Panthee B.Prevalence of self-stigma and its association with self-esteem among psychiatric patients in a Nepalese teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):347. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2344-8Oexle N, Müller M, Kawohl W, et al.Self-stigma as a barrier to recovery: A longitudinal study.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018 Mar;268(2):209-212. doi:10.1007/s00406-017-0773-2MentalHealth.gov.Mental health myths and facts.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental illness.American Psychiatric Association.Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness.Additional ReadingHobert L, Binello E.Trepanation in Ancient China.World Neurosurg. 2017;101:451-456. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.051Pescosolido BA.The public stigma of mental illness.Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 2013;54(1):1-21. doi:10.1177/0022146512471197

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Bureau Y.Stigma of mental illness-1: Clinical reflections.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):70‐84. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.90181Kushner DS, Verano JW, Titelbaum AR.Trepanation procedures/outcomes: Comparison of prehistoric Peru with other ancient, medieval, and American civil war cranial surgery.World Neurosurg.2018;114:245-251. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.143Manderscheid RW, Ryff CD, Freeman EJ, McKnight-Eily LR, Dhingra S, Strine TW.Evolving definitions of mental illness and wellness.Prev Chronic Dis. 2010;7(1):A19Parcesepe AM, Cabassa LJ.Public stigma of mental illness in the United States: A systematic literature review.Adm Policy Ment Health. 2013;40(5):384–399. doi:10.1007/s10488-012-0430-zTesfaw G, Kibru B, Ayano G.Prevalence and factors associated with higher levels of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Int J Ment Health Syst. 2020;14(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13033-020-00348-9Maharjan S, Panthee B.Prevalence of self-stigma and its association with self-esteem among psychiatric patients in a Nepalese teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):347. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2344-8Oexle N, Müller M, Kawohl W, et al.Self-stigma as a barrier to recovery: A longitudinal study.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018 Mar;268(2):209-212. doi:10.1007/s00406-017-0773-2MentalHealth.gov.Mental health myths and facts.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental illness.American Psychiatric Association.Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness.Additional ReadingHobert L, Binello E.Trepanation in Ancient China.World Neurosurg. 2017;101:451-456. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.051Pescosolido BA.The public stigma of mental illness.Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 2013;54(1):1-21. doi:10.1177/0022146512471197

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Bureau Y.Stigma of mental illness-1: Clinical reflections.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):70‐84. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.90181Kushner DS, Verano JW, Titelbaum AR.Trepanation procedures/outcomes: Comparison of prehistoric Peru with other ancient, medieval, and American civil war cranial surgery.World Neurosurg.2018;114:245-251. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.143Manderscheid RW, Ryff CD, Freeman EJ, McKnight-Eily LR, Dhingra S, Strine TW.Evolving definitions of mental illness and wellness.Prev Chronic Dis. 2010;7(1):A19Parcesepe AM, Cabassa LJ.Public stigma of mental illness in the United States: A systematic literature review.Adm Policy Ment Health. 2013;40(5):384–399. doi:10.1007/s10488-012-0430-zTesfaw G, Kibru B, Ayano G.Prevalence and factors associated with higher levels of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Int J Ment Health Syst. 2020;14(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13033-020-00348-9Maharjan S, Panthee B.Prevalence of self-stigma and its association with self-esteem among psychiatric patients in a Nepalese teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):347. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2344-8Oexle N, Müller M, Kawohl W, et al.Self-stigma as a barrier to recovery: A longitudinal study.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018 Mar;268(2):209-212. doi:10.1007/s00406-017-0773-2MentalHealth.gov.Mental health myths and facts.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental illness.American Psychiatric Association.Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness.

Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Bureau Y.Stigma of mental illness-1: Clinical reflections.Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):70‐84. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.90181

Kushner DS, Verano JW, Titelbaum AR.Trepanation procedures/outcomes: Comparison of prehistoric Peru with other ancient, medieval, and American civil war cranial surgery.World Neurosurg.2018;114:245-251. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.143

Manderscheid RW, Ryff CD, Freeman EJ, McKnight-Eily LR, Dhingra S, Strine TW.Evolving definitions of mental illness and wellness.Prev Chronic Dis. 2010;7(1):A19

Parcesepe AM, Cabassa LJ.Public stigma of mental illness in the United States: A systematic literature review.Adm Policy Ment Health. 2013;40(5):384–399. doi:10.1007/s10488-012-0430-z

Tesfaw G, Kibru B, Ayano G.Prevalence and factors associated with higher levels of perceived stigma among people with schizophrenia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Int J Ment Health Syst. 2020;14(1):19. doi:10.1186/s13033-020-00348-9

Maharjan S, Panthee B.Prevalence of self-stigma and its association with self-esteem among psychiatric patients in a Nepalese teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):347. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2344-8

Oexle N, Müller M, Kawohl W, et al.Self-stigma as a barrier to recovery: A longitudinal study.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018 Mar;268(2):209-212. doi:10.1007/s00406-017-0773-2

MentalHealth.gov.Mental health myths and facts.

National Institute of Mental Health.Mental illness.

American Psychiatric Association.Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness.

Hobert L, Binello E.Trepanation in Ancient China.World Neurosurg. 2017;101:451-456. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.051Pescosolido BA.The public stigma of mental illness.Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 2013;54(1):1-21. doi:10.1177/0022146512471197

Hobert L, Binello E.Trepanation in Ancient China.World Neurosurg. 2017;101:451-456. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.10.051

Pescosolido BA.The public stigma of mental illness.Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 2013;54(1):1-21. doi:10.1177/0022146512471197

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