What are some effective ways to reduce stigma for mental health patients?

It's been said that the most valuable gift we can offer one another is a safe space to share our fears and true feelings, without judgment. Sometimes, what we truly need is to express ourselves and let those pent-up emotions flow freely. The simple act of talking about our issues can be therapeutic. It's not always about finding solutions; sometimes, it's just about having a compassionate, non-judgmental ear to listen. You many be the listener today but tomorrow you may be the one needing a shoulder to lean on. Let's begin with compassion instead of judgement.

Realising that it could be anyone suffering from mental health problem is necessary. It could you, me, someone in the family or friends. This realisation can change the attitude of people. Being empathetic towards the ones who are suffering is the only way to be grateful for our good health. Learning more about such experiences can help people realise that the mental health problems are occuring more than ever and we need people in support.

Personal experiences are very powerful. Lived experiences are even more effective. Sometimes describing a difficult, somewhat embarrassing situation that affects everyone but everyone keeps their mouth and eyes "wide shut" can be the best way to break the silence and myths about Mental illness. We are talking about being brave enough to make the first steps on recognising and revealing the facts and not the stories, admitting the truths and being honest. Let's not forget that any illness can be scary. The invisible ones are the scariest. You cannot see mental illness so it becomes that terrible thing that you cannot explain and has taken control over you... imagine that...

When the topic of mental health comes up a lot of people tend to focus so much on approaching people facing mental health challenges as patients all the time. In some ways they are made to feel like they are defined by their mental health challenge. That in itself creates a stigma so pervasive that sometimes people no longer want to talk because they do not want to end up being their mental health challenge. A very important way to tackle stigma is talking to and treating people like people. It’s having a normal fun time or conversation without an underlying motive to psycho-analyze them. It’s creating a space where people can talk about mental health challenges and illness without the fear of becoming defined by it.

Embracing vulnerability and breaking the silence surrounding mental health is a courageous step towards fostering understanding and empathy. My journey with mental health challenges has taught me the transformative power of sharing our stories. By opening up about our struggles, we not only dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health but also provide a lifeline of connection to those who may feel isolated in their battles. Whether it's my own experiences or supporting a loved one, sharing these narratives becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a strength rather than a weakness. Don't be afraid, don't hold back, share!

Pathologizing people's experiences under the guise of education might be useful, but often has unintended side effects: that person with those labels can feel ostracised, isolated and other'd. Instead, I would swap the word "education" with the word "curiosity". Googling a term or label might give you a medical understanding of something, but it robs you of the opportunity to understand what it might feel like to live something. Instead, if there is an opportunity, or someone feels willing to discuss with your their experience, I believe rehumanises suffering and lowers the desire to label someone and belief we have understood what it feels like to be them.

Society needs to view mental health as it views physical health issues. Not every injury is visible. If I broke my arm and had it placed in a cast, the injury is there for all to see. Once the cast is removed there is still much healing to do and there will be an invisible scar, only seen by looking inside me(using an X-ray), but the scar will be there and accepted as such.

La salud mental ha sido enfocada desde la perspectiva del enfermo. Mi propuesta va orientada a comprender que este es un tema de todos. Se debe convertir en un eje de revisión de cada uno, en busca de un equilibrio sano en nuestro día a día. Todos somos afectados en nuestra salud mental por el solo hecho de existir de menor o mayor manera. Lo importante es aprender a atender, comprender y gestionar nuestras propias emociones en busca de obtener paz interior de forma continua. Así sabremos que vivimos en armonía en si mismo y con los demás.

While I strongly advocate for the public to learn about symptoms of mental health conditions, I wouldn't place the entire responsibility on them to interpret what they believe they are experiencing. This responsibility should rest on professionals like ourselves to educate and emphasize the importance of accurate information. While subjective perception of our experiences is valuable, mental health is a scientific field where accuracy and reliability are the gold standards that we must uphold. It should never be a field of 'you are because you feel so.' Instead, it's a domain where we ensure each condition represents a genuine experience, not solely based on subjectivity but rather a combination of objectivity.

Understanding what drives medication non-compliance can help bridge a knowledge gap between patients and providers. For example, I've heard a common theme among patients needing a medicine regimen is that they don't feel like themselves after taking the medicine. That makes it easier to understand why they aren't compliant with medication and often take themselves off without telling anyone.

It is essential to stand up against stigma and discrimination, particularly in the current era dominated by cancel culture. Mental health disorders should not be solely determined by subjective feelings, such as thinking 'I feel like I have XXX Disorder, so I must have it.' Relying solely on pure subjectivity undermines the importance of objective data, leading to a reduction in treatment replicability. This, in turn, impacts how individuals perceive or understand a disorder. If everyone claims to have a disorder, it raises the question of who is truly disordered. Therefore, while embracing subjectivity, we must also recognize the importance of objectivity to better serve and help those in need

I think in our society, it is easy to look at those around you and think that everything is going right with everyone else except you. However, it is estimated that 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with mental illness. I try to show empathy with my patients and try to “challenge” negative thoughts; something that really stuck out to me when I was diagnosed with anxiety is that a provider said, “If you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t just keep walking around on it. It’s the same with mental health.” This really helped me see things in a different perspective; taking care of your mental health is also an important part of self-care that not everyone understands.

A powerful way to combat mental health stigma is through personal storytelling and "contact interventions" - creating meaningful interactions between the public and individuals living with mental health conditions. Research shows that direct contact and hearing personal narratives significantly reduces prejudice and fear while increasing empathy and understanding. You can also leverage social media responsibly to amplify accurate mental health information and recovery stories. Consider following and sharing content from mental health advocates and organizations that promote evidence-based education.

I believe that the Pandemic has done a lot of the 'promotion' of mental health as a normal aspect of our humanness, than any dedicated form of psychoeducation could have done. The challenge now is how we adjust the pendulum swing to something balanced... We all have struggles at certain points in our lives, but we can't allow that to impede our progress in moving forward. We need to find our purpose to assist us in recovery. A sense of purpose can override feelings of stigma and promote recovery, so we need to support people to find their purpose.

Yes, it is a challenge in itself to HAVE a mental health condition, if you have diabetes no one asks you to EAT SWEETS, but if you have depression, anxiety, panic syndrome or other NEUROTYPIC conditions you will hear a lot of nonsense and people telling you to do things that are impossible, why? Stigma perpetuates misinformation from people who could learn from neurodiversity, we are at a time when diagnoses of autism and ADHD are EXPLODING, not because there are MORE AUTISTS today but because we simply have more DOCTORS and PSYCHOLOGISTS informed about the characteristics and signs of these disorders. .. adults diagnosed today have ALWAYS been autistic, they just weren't identified and treated before due to lack of knowledge.

As a leader I always remind staff that no one chooses to have a mental health crisis or mental health issues. I also remind teams of how hard the patients life can be. They are put on meds- some of which have pretty bad side effects. They start to feel better but hate the side effects so they eventually go off the meds which typically puts them back into a mental health crisis and a cycle that happens over and over. It’s exhausting for the patient and their loved ones. That is not a life anyone would choose. We need try to stand in that persons shoes and think about what it is like for them and their people.

Showing compassion to our clients teaches them to show compassion to themselves. I always tell my clients "shame is the biggest inhibitor to progress." What is someone's molehill is another person's mountain! My job isn't to determine if someone's struggles are legitimate. My job is to teach people that they can accept themselves at any progress of change and IN FACT, that is how we change! Compassion and connection are the biggest healers of trauma.

While it's crucial to have specific knowledge when helping someone from a professional standpoint, it's equally important that we simply be 'human' when lending our ears to those in need. Our role doesn't involve solving everyone's problems; instead, we can make a significant impact by just being there. Wholehearted listening, without the intent to rebut, is essential because we recognize that everyone, including ourselves, requires an outlet. You and I can serve as that outlet for someone, and reciprocally, those individuals can be outlets for others. It's equally important to acknowledge that our assistance may have its limits. In cases where we can't provide the necessary help, it becomes crucial to refer individuals to professionals.

A universal truth I share when I'm working with clients in a therapeutic setting is: we all have an innate drive to be understood. Whether that's focused on what has happened to us, why we do the things we do, or how we suffer. To know ourselves is to be known by others. So if you know someone who you think might be struggling, ask yourself, how could I help them in understanding what they might be going through? It honestly doesn't take much. Ask someone how their day is, or if you can help with anything, or just grab a coffee with them and allow them the space to talk. Compassion and support is really listening and acting. We can all do that from time to time.

Listening without Judgment Creating a safe space where mental health consumers and their families can share without fear of judgment is invaluable. Active listening techniques, such as mirroring and validation, can make these interactions even more supportive. Offering Help and Encouragement It's essential to ask how you can assist rather than assuming what the person needs. This respects their agency and gives them a sense of control, which is often diminished in traditional mental health care settings.

Amidst the mission to diminish stigma surrounding mental health, it's crucial to prioritize self-care as a cornerstone of the journey. Engaging in nourishing activities like maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring sufficient sleep, regular exercise, meditation, and moments of relaxation not only fortify personal well-being but also contribute to dismantling stereotypes associated with mental health challenges. Seeking professional help and adhering to a treatment plan is an empowering stride towards resilience. The significance of support systems is undeniable, whether through joining a support group, confiding in trusted friends or family members, or leveraging online resources to navigate stress and challenges. Don't wait for tomorrow!

Taking care of ourselves can often be easier said than done. What makes us feel good and what is good for us are two different things. If you find you're struggling at any point, understand that it is normal. Professor Thomas Szasz, one of the most influential psychiatrists of the 20th century said of emotional suffering: "Suffering is life. God didn't put us on this earth, assuming that he did, to be happy. It makes no difference if you are a king, a pope or a tyrant." To suffer is to be human. But what also makes us human is our agency to be able to cope, adjust, or learn from our experiences. Taking care of begins with an act of kindness, but also an understanding of what "being well" looks like to us.

Self-stigma is usually responsible for not feeling worthy of self-care. Self-compassion is a big part of this... Try connecting in with the 4 year old within you - would you speak to a 4 year old the way that you speak to yourself? Of course not... Healing begins with self-acceptance and self-awareness, but it can feel like the hardest place to get too. Embracing the child within can support you to heal in ways that isn't possible to obtain from other people - not even your parents or partners. The 4 year old that you were was absolutely perfect! Don't believe me? Check in with them and see them for who they really are and you will banish the inner critical parent voice from your brain for good!

Plus qu'un concept, une évidence. "Prendre soin de soi, c'est prendre soin des autres". Les soignants ont besoin d'analyses de pratique. Les coachs et les consultants ont besoin de supervisions. Les formateurs ont la nécessité d'être en veille quant à leurs connaissances. Quant est-il des dirigeants et de leurs collaborateurs? Comment peuvent ils s'occuper d'eux? Quelles solutions leurs sont proposées? Un petit échantillon de questions auxquelles nous allons très certainement être confrontés dans l'avenir.

A big part of taking care of yourself involves identifying and understanding that vulnerable inner child. Honouring that child while also simultaneously challenging its self defeating view of self and the world is absolutely essential.

While I don't like to think of myself as a role model, I understand that there are quite a lot of young boys experiencing something similar to what I did when I was first diagnosed with clinical depression. I share my story, and that of others like me, to help others see that mental health challenges can strike at any moment to anyone. While its understandable to be hesitant about seeking help for it, the fear of social repercussion should not stop one from seeking the help they need.

I am an example of this. I often share my lived experience of depression and anxiety disorders, as well as ADHD, to show by example that the stigma stops with me. I have written a book about my lived experience titled 'The D Word : A Survivor's Guide to Depression' that sheds light and gives information about depression and anxiety. I am building a peer support community to help others combat stigma and seek help for themselves or for a loved one. I am sure there will come a time when people with mental illness do not have to suffer the double whammy of illness and stigma.

En tant que soignant.e en santé mentale, il est primordial de s'interroger sur ses propres représentations concernant les troubles psychiques🤔: 👉Quelles sont nos idées à ce sujet ❓ 👉Quel est notre rapport à la différence ❓ 👉Quelle influence nos représentations ont-elles sur nos pratiques thérapeutiques ⁉️ Pour incarner au mieux la lutte contre la stigmatisation le soignant veillera à : ▶️ Être conscient de ses propres représentations sociales; ▶️ Tendre vers une approche valorisant l'auto-détermination des personnes concernées; ▶️ S'informer sur les phénomènes de stigmatisation; ▶️ Prévenir l'auto-stigmatisation chez les personnes en ouvrant activement le dialogue avec elles; ▶️ Promouvoir l'espoir chez les personnes concernées.

We must recognize that open communication is the solution to combating stigma and discrimination. Speaking up should not be with the intention of belittling anyone but rather to impart accurate information, allowing those outside the field to learn and grow. While the concept of 'disorder' is evolving with social justice movements, it's essential to grasp that it's mathematically impossible for everyone to have disorders, as this would turn such conditions into a norm. Embracing individuality is crucial, but it's equally important not to force it upon others. Overextending individuality can lead to what we strive against—cancel culture. It's imperative for us to stand together so that we can protect the public, like what a real leader must.

Being open, respectful, and inclusive sends a strong message to colleagues, family, and the wider community about what attitudes towards mental health should look like. These behaviours, especially when exhibited by someone in a leadership position, can set the tone for an entire organisation or community.

1. Stop isolating and institutionalising individuals - that means, just how we have an oncology ward or a cardiology ward in hospitals, build similar facilities within hospitals. Individuals need support but nobody likes to be excluded and treated as an outcast. 2. All healthcare professionals need to take mental health seriously and talk about it with compassion and care. 3. Just like we have labs to get blood work done, hospitals and labs should incorporate mental health reports to assess one’s mental health and well-being at a given point.

One of the ways i find effective in reducing stigma towards persons with lived experience is by normalizing mental health converdation...creating safe spaces at our families, churches, workplace and social gathering where we can hold mental ehalth conversations without prejudice...it allows people to share their experiences, what they know or thinks about mental illness and that offers an opportunity to pass the right information.. also sharing my own experience with a mental health condition helps allows the audience to see the human in it that has emotions and not the condition.

Patient first language is important when speaking about patients with mental illness. Always ensure to put the patient before the diagnosis.

In my opinion, the most simple thing to do is to just openly talk about mental health. Despite current social media advertisements, mental health is a huge stigma. We need to make it a safe space to openly talk about. Most of patients I have seen in the past tend to appreciate normalizing the conversation.

Improving access to affordable and quality mental health services is a practical step to reduce barriers to seeking help. Highlighting successful individuals who have openly discussed their mental health struggles can serve as role models, while normalizing conversations about mental health in schools, workplaces, and families fosters understanding and empathy, ultimately contributing to stigma reduction.