Debunking the Stigmas of Mental Health Treatment

Mental illness impacts over fifty-seven million people in the United States.

However, we see such a small portion of this group actively receiving treatment, whether in inpatient, outpatient, or traditional psychotherapy settings.

A significant factor in this is the shame and stigma associated with seeking mental health services.

Let’s debunk a few of those stigmas that hold many people back from seeking help:

Discrimination: People fear being treated differently because of their conditions.

Psychoeducation by more professionals to the public could help change the false beliefs others may have.

Misconceptions: People also believe that those who struggle with mental health issues are violent or dangerous, which is false.

Violence is not exclusive to individuals who struggle with mental health.

We also have to take into account the history and level of violence one has been exposed to, themselves

Self-stigma: One may be hard on themselves due to personal bias and beliefs about mental health issues.

Rejection: People may fear rejection due to the issues mentioned above- stigmas, misconceptions, and their own personal outlook.

Mental health issues are important to take care of, and if you or someone you love is struggling, it is imperative to get the proper help.