Changing the Story of Mental Heath: Ending the Myths and Breaking Stigmas

As humans we take information from our environments and use that to make decisions in the future. In most cases our plasticity aids us in making better choices, however in some cases the information we receive from society can negatively impact our perception of things. Making the decision to make changes in our daily life or managing mental health concerns is a challenging decision, and should not be reconsidered through the misinformation available to use regarding mental health. Mental health stigmas directly harm those who currently receive mental health services and those who potentially seek it in the future. Here we will examine the different types of mental health stigma, the ways it directly affects people in need and different ways to remove stigma from our society.

Mental Health Stigma: What is it?

Have you ever wondered why out of the one in five adults who are diagnosed with a mental health condition, more than half do not receive assistance? One major reason is the presence of stigma, which involves the negative beliefs, stereotypes and attitudes that are held regarding people with mental health conditions, and are often vocalized through different cultures, generations and society as a whole. The idea of stigma is rooted in the lack of understanding of mental illnesses that results in fear and discrimination. There are several forms of mental health stigma: structural stigma, self-stigma and public stigma.

Structural stigma involves government regulations, laws, and policies that are used to limit the rights of people with mental health conditions. Examples of structural stigma are with mental illness research receiving lower funding opportunities, lack of insurance coverage and employment discouragement.

Self-Stigma, refers to the negative thoughts and individuals may have regarding their own mental health conditions. Common examples of self-stigma are through believing you are flawed or to be blamed for having these conditions. Self-stigma can also involve the belief that you are dangerous or incompetent.

Public Stigma includes the negative thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs held by larger groups and individuals. Specifically, the belief that all people with mental illnesses are to blame for the disorder, dangerous and unpredictable.

Mental Health Myths and Stigma Examples

Many people’s perception of mental health are shaped by misinformation that is told from larger communities, families, and the media, and leads to harmful myths about mental health that stops people from seeking help. A frequent myth is that mental illness is a sign of weakness, in reality these struggles stem from genetics, stress and other factors and by seeking help shows strength. Another mental health myth is that therapy is only for people with serious mental illnesses. In reality, therapy is used for mental illnesses, and a resource for helping people navigate their daily life, including stressors, work and relationships.

Mental Health Care Stigma Chat and Discussion Online

Stigmas are reinforced in the media, and everyday conversations. Media contributes significantly to the misinformation that is spread regarding mental illnesses and falserepresentation of disorders. An example includes characterizing people with mental health disorders as “attention seeking” when they ask for help. Another stigma involves jokes made about specific mental conditions, disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are often misrepresented. For example, have you heard someone casually say “I am so OCD” when talking about being clean or tidy? These statements misrepresent the severity and challenges of these conditions. An additional harmful stigma is calling people with mental health conditions “insane” or “crazy” as a way to judge others, often resulting in the intentional avoidance of people with mental conditions.

Many cultures have different interpretations of mental health conditions, some view them as positive, and others negative, however each affect the treatment and attention received. Cultural beliefs and perceptions of mental health conditions can further lead to discrimination and social exclusion. With many Asian cultures, mental health is viewed as a personal failure of self control and a form of weakness. Additionally, family members who have mental health conditions can be seen as bringing shame to their family, which can result in the avoidance of seeking help. With African cultures, mental illness can be connected to negative supernatural or spiritual causes, such as evil spirits, possession or curses. Even though it is believed that these mental health conditions are rooted in supernatural causes, it is still seen negatively and heavily stigmatized. Another example is seen with Arab cultures, as mental illnesses are believed to stem from religious beliefs. Specifically, mental disorders are commonly viewed as a form of divine punishment that results in spiritual or religious interventions.

How Does this Affect People with Mental Distress and Illnesses

Stigma often leads to forms of discrimination, often leading to the worsening of symptoms and discouragement to seek care. Additionally, self-stigma often impacts recovery, difficulties at work, social relationships, psychiatric symptoms present, self esteem and hope. Both public and structural stigma can lead to social isolation, bullying, workplace violence, decreased urge to seek help and treatment, thoughts of never succeeding, health insurance difficulties, lack of growth opportunities and lack of understanding by family, friends and coworkers. Stigma may cause individuals to blame themselves or fear of being blamed, further resulting in decreasing support, help received and increased isolation.

Ways to Challenge Stigma Around Mental Health

It is time to address the stigma around mental health, and communicate mental health with respect and empathy. The good news is that there’s a lot that can be done tofight mental health stigma, beginning with how we talk and advocate for others.

Spreading Public Awareness: Take the time to understand how mental health conditions are portrayed through the media and take initiative to challenge these stigmas. Additionally, support campaigns and policies to eliminate misconceptions and create an accurate understanding of mental health disorders. The use of public awareness programs help eliminate myths, encourageempathy, reduce stigma and help provide accurate information about mental illnesses, treatments and prevalence rates

Implementing Community-Based Mental Health Services: This method focuses on integrating mental health care in community and primary care settings, so care is more accessible and less intimidating to receive. Specifically, integrating resources for mental well-being and care protocols will allow help to become more available when needed. By making mental health resources more accessible, it will help reduce stigma making its presence more ‘normal’.

Updating Healthcare Provider Training: Equipping healthcare providers with cultural competency training has shown to reduce stigma and elevate care for people with unique cultural backgrounds and experiences. By creating and having open, respectful and non-stigmatizing conversations about mental health it creates platforms for people to discuss their experiences, struggles and support.

Talk Openly About Mental Health: Take the time to have a personal and direct relationship with those who have mental health conditions, to help with understanding and displaying empathy. Peer-support programs are also a great resource for people who have lived experiences to discuss their stories to help normalize mental health disorders. Peer-support programs have shown to reduce stigma by increasing the normalization of mental health disorders, increasing self-esteem and empowerment.

Public Stigma and Cultural Misconceptions

Public stigma refers to the widespread societal attitudes that label individuals with mental health conditions as dangerous, unstable, or weak. These attitudes are often reinforced by media portrayals and cultural narratives that promote fear rather than understanding. When mental illness is consistently linked with violence or incompetence in public discourse, it becomes harder for individuals to openly seek support. Cultural norms in many communities also equate mental illness with personal failure or a lack of willpower. This leads to silence, shame, and unnecessary suffering among those who might otherwise benefit from early treatment or peer support.

Self-Stigma and Internalized Shame

Self-stigma occurs when individuals with mental health conditions begin to believe the negative stereotypes associated with their diagnosis. This internalization can lead to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and decreased self-esteem. It often discourages people fromaccessing mental health services even when they need them most. For adolescents and young adults especially, self-stigma can interfere with identity development and academic performance. Addressing self-stigma requires building safe spaces where people can talk openly about their experiences and recognize that mental health challenges do not define their value or potential.

Breaking the Cycle Through Education and Dialogue

Education is one of the most powerful tools in reducing stigma. When schools, workplaces, and communities provide accurate information about mental health conditions, they replace myths with facts. Normalizing mental health conversations through curriculum, social campaigns, and public figures can significantly shift cultural perceptions. Encouraging open dialogue helps people recognize that mental illness is not rare or shameful—it’s a part of the human experience. MentalService.com contributes to this effort by offering accessible content, virtual forums, and expert-guided support to encourage informed, stigma-free mental wellness discussions.

The Role of Online Mental Health Platforms in Ending Stigma

Digital platforms like MentalService.com are uniquely positioned to combat mental health stigma by offering privacy, accessibility, and empowerment. Users can connect with therapists, ask questions anonymously, and explore evidence-based resources at their own pace. This breaks down traditional barriers to care such as fear of being seen at a clinic or judged by others. Through AI-assisted tools and moderated mental health discussions, individuals gain confidence in managing their well-being and are more likely to seek help earlier. Online mental health services create a safe starting point for those hesitant to reach out in person.

Creating a Stigma-Free Future for Mental Health Care

Building a world without mental health stigma begins with every conversation we have, every article we read, and every assumption we challenge. Supporting mental health should be as normalized as treating physical health conditions. Platforms like MentalService.com offer a scalable and inclusive solution—bringing mental wellness into the mainstream and redefining how care is accessed. By sharing stories, supporting education, and fostering community dialogue, we can collectively dismantle the myths surrounding mental illness and replace them with empathy, respect, and science-based understanding.

Summary: Changing the Narrative Around Mental Health

Ending the stigma around mental health is not only a cultural priority—it’s a public health necessity. Misconceptions and discrimination keep millions from getting the support they need, while stigma discourages open dialogue and fosters fear. Through education, community engagement, and the growing reach of online mental health platforms like MentalService.com, we have the tools to change this story. By encouraging inclusive conversations, accessible care, and evidence-based understanding, we can move toward a future where mental wellness isseen as a strength—not a secret.

References

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American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. American Psychiatric Association.

CDC. (2024, August 5). Tips For Stigma-Free Communication About Mental Health. CDC.

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