Overcoming Self-Stigma and Mental Health
By Anna Nuechterlein
One in five Canadians experience a mental health illness each year. This may be a surprising statistic yet even more surprising is that almost half of these Canadians report that their mental health needs are either partially or fully unmet.
One significant barrier to accessing resources and appropriate treatment is the social stigma attached to mental illness. Although there have been efforts to lessen stigma through public campaigns and education, many social, attitudinal, and occupational barriers remain. 60% of Canadians experiencing a mental illness do not seek help for fear of stigma or negative stereotypes, and 75% of Canadians indicated they would be reluctant or refuse to disclose their mental illness to colleagues or employers.
Stigma can be understood along two dimensions: public stigma and self-stigma. Typically, we think of stigma as the former- the public negative or discriminatory attitudes that others, such as healthcare providers, employers, and family members/friends, have about mental illness. Less discussed is self-stigma, which is, simply put, public stigma that has been internalized. This may include negative attitudes, guilt, or shameful feelings that individuals attach to their own mental health condition.
Research suggests that by opening up about our experiences with mental health, we can mitigate some of the harmful consequences associated with self-stigma, including social isolation and low self-esteem. Confiding in peers who share similar experiences with mental health can also be empowering, and can help to foster a sense of community and belonging. By sharing our personal stories and forming deeper connections with others in safe, inclusive spaces, we are reminded that we are not alone.
Self-stigma is by no means the fault of an individual. It reflects a broader social environment that may disempower and discriminate against people living with a mental illness. While significant progress has been made through national efforts such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Anti-Stigma initiative, much work is still needed. By extending support, empathy, and love to others and, importantly, to ourselves, we can collectively contribute to a culture of compassion for individuals, communities, and societies to flourish.
January 25, 2023 is Bell’s Let’s Talk Day....check out the resources and ways to make a difference.
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