By now, we’ve all heard about the growing mental health crisis, as the pandemic has exacerbated feelings of stress, anxiety and loneliness. Our mental health affects every other aspect of our lives, including our physical health, our social interactions and our spiritual life. 

If mental health is so important, why is it so hard for so many of us to reach out when we need help? 

Unfortunately, people are often reluctant to share their mental health struggles with others. Many fear judgment from others or even discrimination. A lack of awareness of the effectiveness of treatments may also get in the way of seeking help for yourself or encouraging loved ones to get help. 

We are actually very fortunate that there are now many effective treatments for mental health conditions. Psychotherapy (talking confidentially with a trained counselor or therapist) is an effective treatment for many conditions. Medications are also helpful for many people. It’s just as important to take medications for mental health conditions as it is for physical conditions such as diabetes or asthma. 

Root of the problem

Where does stigma come from, and what form can stigma take? Our society has long considered mental illness to be a private struggle rather than an issue we should face openly and honestly. Mental illness is sometimes seen as a moral failure—a description that wrongly assumes that people can control their symptoms. Media and popular culture have furthered the problem by depicting people experiencing mental illness as being untrustworthy or violent.

Stigma may be external—for example, public perceptions of people with mental illness—but it can also be internal. Internal stigma, sometimes referred to as “self-stigma,” is our own internalized sense of shame about our condition. 

These misperceptions can discourage people from getting the help they need. Many choose to delay treatment or avoid it altogether, worried about being seen differently in the workplace or in social circles. Those feelings can lead to lower self-esteem and withdrawal from social interactions.

Overcoming stigma

Seeking help might feel difficult or scary, but taking that step isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a show of strength. And, like “putting on one’s mask before helping others,” we must take care of ourselves in order to be there for others in our lives—our loved ones, neighbors, friends or co-workers. 

If you’re struggling with mental illness, then I would also encourage you to talk to friends and family members about it. Staying silent can exacerbate feelings of isolation and shame. Sharing your experiences will give you a sense of empowerment, freedom and pride as you see the impact you are also having on others who are struggling. 

It’s important to educate others about the realities of mental illness, since misconceptions usually stem from a lack of understanding. Research shows that having contact with people who are experiencing mental illness can have a significant effect in reducing stigmas. We’re much less likely to judge others when we can relate to them.

Changing attitudes

Decades of effort by patients, advocates and health professionals have elevated some of the conversation surrounding mental illness, but we still have a long way to go. Americans have become more receptive to treatment, but negative perceptions about mental illness have lingered.

Mental health is important in every stage of our lives, and all of us will struggle at some point. The stigma surrounding mental illness places an unfair burden on people at a time when they’re most in need of help and support. To break down these barriers, we must be more open about our mental health and more willing to show compassion for others. 

If you’re having a mental health crisis, don’t let stigma prevent you from getting the help you need and deserve. UAMS Health AR ConnectNow can help connect you with a therapist or provider in your area. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the Arkansas Lifeline Call Center by dialing 988.

Laura B. Dunn, M.D., is chair of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Psychiatry and director of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute.