Search
Close this search box.

5 ways you can break the stigma around mental health

Mental health is as important as physical health, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. While more conversations are happening now than ever before, the stigma around mental health issues still lingers.

This stigma can discourage people from seeking help or openly discussing their struggles. The good news? There are effective ways we can all help break the stigma, starting with small, everyday actions. Here are five powerful ways to do just that:

  1. Educate yourself and others

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to mental health, that couldn’t be more true. Stigma often stems from a lack of understanding. A survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that nearly 50% of people worldwide don’t know much about mental health conditions. By educating yourself on common issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, you’re in a better position to offer support.

And don’t stop there—share what you learn. Conversations about mental health should be as common as those about physical health. You can help break the stigma by simply talking openly and factually with friends, family, or even on social media. Trust me, knowledge beats fear.

  1. Use thoughtful language

The words we choose have a profound impact. How many times have you heard someone casually call themselves “crazy” or label someone as “insane” for behaving a certain way? Such terms might seem harmless, but they reinforce negative stereotypes about mental health.

Instead of labeling someone by their condition, use language that respects them as a person first. For example, instead of saying “She’s bipolar,” say “She has bipolar disorder.” This small change in language humanizes the individual and separates them from their condition, making a huge difference in how we view mental health. After all, no one says, “He is a flu,” right?

  1. Encourage seeking help

One of the biggest reasons people don’t seek treatment is the fear of being judged. In fact, research shows that 60% of people who experience mental health issues never seek help due to stigma. We need to normalize asking for help as something courageous, not shameful.

Encourage your loved ones to seek professional help when they’re struggling, just like they would for a physical ailment. And let’s be honest, we all have rough days and moments when we could use a little help. Whether it’s seeing a therapist, talking to a counselor, or using mental health apps, remind people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

  1. Challenge stereotypes in media

You’ve seen it—the movie villain with the “crazy eyes” or the unstable character who suddenly snaps. Media often misrepresents mental health, which reinforces damaging stereotypes. But we can fight this.

The next time you see a problematic portrayal of mental health, call it out. Start a conversation, post on social media, or write a blog about how mental health is being inaccurately shown. By doing so, you’re contributing to the larger effort to change how mental health is viewed in society. You might not be able to rewrite Hollywood scripts, but you can certainly influence the way people around you think about mental health!

  1. Support mental health initiatives

Want to make a real difference? Support organizations that are working to reduce mental health stigma. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just spreading the word about local mental health initiatives, your involvement matters.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Straight out of Twitter