More than half of people with a mental health condition in the U.S. did not receive any treatment in the last year.
Stigma and negative viewpoints that people link to mental illness are huge barriers for people needing treatment.
Normalizing mental health treatment is a great way to reduce any negative stigma connected to receiving mental health services.
Here are 4 ways you can help Reduce the Stigma
- Education. Education. Learn more about mental health and share with others when it is appropriate (NAMI is a great resource to learn more).
- Be aware of Language. Stop using mental health disorders as a way to describe situations. Such as “the weather is bipolar” or “Their desk is so OCD”. It minimizes the health condition that real people live with every day.
- Encourage equality between physical and mental health. We wouldn’t joke and make fun of someone who has a broken leg or heart disease. This empathy and kindness should be shared with those who are receiving mental health treatment.
- Talk openly about mental health. Talking openly about mental health and receiving treatment normalizes this for others.
May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we want to acknowledge that there are also other barriers for receiving mental health treatment across different cultures and ethnic backgrounds including:
- The Topic of Mental Health being culturally taboo
- Language barriers
- Knowledge of Mental Health resources
- Health Insurance/Costs
- Seeking support from friends, family, or religious communities rather than a Mental Health Professional
We want to express gratitude for those who have maneuvered around these barriers and are normalizing mental health treatment.
Contact AACA if you are not currently seeing a clinician and want to set up an appointment. Call (734) 956-0051 or welcome@annarborcounselingservices.com.
Sources:
Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health
Asian American and Pacific Islander | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
9 Ways to Fight Mental Health Stigma | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental Health in Michigan
Reducing Stigma
Understanding Stigma as a Mental Healthcare Barrier
