#BreakTheStigma : What Mental Health Stigma Really Sounds and Feels Like

mental health stigma
So we are talking about mental health. But that’s not enough. We need to stand up to mental health stigma.
Granted, most people who deal with mental health issues are struggling to find the cure for their hurt and pain. But stigma surrounds all sides of mental health – both from those who are in the throes of it, and those on the outside who don’t understand it. When it comes to mental illness, the stigma can get worse.
 
Learn more about mental health. Challenge your own beliefs. By learning mental health facts and dispelling the myths, you can help stop the stigma and end the silence about mental health issues, 

RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS 

Granted, most people who deal with mental health issues are struggling to find the cure for their hurt and pain. But stigma surrounds all sides of mental health – both from those who are in the throes of it, and those on the outside who don’t understand it. When it comes to mental illness, the stigma can get worse.
 
Learn more about mental health. Challenge your own beliefs. By learning mental health facts and dispelling the myths, you can help stop the stigma and end the silence about mental health issues, 

Mental Health Stigma Sounds Like

This wouldn’t be happening if you were stronger.
 
Why can’t you just get better? It’s your decision.
 
What is there to be so sad about? Just get out of bed.
 
Wash your hair. You’ll feel better.
 
Go to the gym. You’ll feel better.
 
Stop thinking about yourself so much.
 
While you’re at it, stop thinking so much.
 
People have gone through so much worse and they’re fine, so what’s wrong with you?
 
Why can’t you be fine?
 
Just cheer up. You get enough attention already.
 
This is the best time of your life. You should be enjoying every minute of it. Why are you wasting it?
 
Maybe if you spent your time helping other people you’d see what real problems are.
 
It’s all in your head.
 
It’s all in your head.
 
It’s all in your head.

Mental Health Stigma Feels Like

The time I decided it would be easier to fight this alone than tell anyone and risk having them think I’m “crazy.”
 
Feeling “crazy.”
 
Not wanting to have kids in case you pass this onto them.
 
A hand closed around your throat so you can’t speak.
 
Embarrassment swimming deep in your belly.
 
Guilt between your teeth.
 
Questioning your own strength.
 
Questioning your own mind.
 
Calling in sick to work and saying you have the flu instead of admitting you cant get out of bed.
 
Lying because it’s easier than telling the truth.
 
Shame.
 
Shame.
 
Shame.

Stigma Is 

Damaging.
 
Threatening.
 
Close-minded.
 
Brutal.
 
Awful.
 
Fear-inducing.
 
Anxiety-producing.

Stigma Needs 

To end
 
and it starts with you