Despite the constant strides made in the field of mental health, there remains a stigma regarding mood disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. This stigma can have a profound effect on patients who are working hard to live normal lives. Thankfully, if you’re living with a mental health disorder, there are ways to overcome the judgement, criticism, and stereotyping of others. 

Recognizing the Stigma

Upon attaching a stigma to a particular mental health disorder, people stop seeing people with the disorder as individuals. Instead, they apply their stereotypes to the group as a whole. Three of the most common mental illness stigmas are dangerousness, incompetence, and permanence. If you have a clinical condition, you may have had friends, family members, employers, and even strangers on the street attach one of these labels to you.

Making any of these assumptions can be incredibly harmful — for the individuals targeted as well as for people with mental illness as a whole. Not only does discriminating against those who are legitimately ill hinder their recovery by making them reluctant to seek treatment, but it can also affect many aspects of their lives, from their career trajectory to their personal relationships. 

Overcoming the Stigma 

The first step to fighting the stigma of mental illness is to seek treatment. Many individuals who need help refuse to get it because they don't want to associate themselves with a certain label. However, attending therapy with a sympathetic and knowledgeable provider lets people realize that they aren’t to blame for the stigma surrounding their condition. 

Once you’re on the road to recovery, you may still feel self-doubt and shame from time to time because the stigma of mental illness is so entrenched in modern society.  When this happens, remind yourself that you’re not your mental illness. For example, instead of saying “I’m a schizophrenic,” say “I have schizophrenia.”  

It may also be helpful to join a support group comprised of others who are facing similar struggles. They’ll inevitably share strategies for overcoming the stigmas in their own lives, which you can adopt and modify as needed. 

If you’re struggling to cope with your mental illness or the stigma surrounding it, turn to Fairbanks Psychiatric & Neurological Clinic APC. Located in Fairbanks, AK, this practice is comprised of compassionate psychologists and psychiatrists who devise custom treatment plans for each and every patient. To discuss your mental health concerns with a sympathetic member of their team, call (907) 452-1739, or visit their website to learn more about their services.