Stigma and misconceptions about mental health

Many of us may come across negative or inaccurate beliefs about mental health. We may even have these opinions about our own mental health.

These beliefs might be referred to as stigma or misconceptions. And they can have a damaging effect on our mental health. We're here with more information and tips to deal with them.

I was misdiagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, and that was essentially weaponised to paint me as hysterical.

Common stigma and misconceptions about mental health

There are lots of stigma and misconceptions about mental health. Some of them are about mental health in general. Others might be about specific mental health problems.

Trivialising mental health

Trivialising something means making it seem less important or meaningful than it is. For mental health problems, this could be:

• Not thinking mental health problems are ‘real’ health problems, or not taking them seriously.
• Using mental health terms in a way that trivialises them. For example, misusing a term like OCD to refer to being neat or tidy. This can be common in conversation or on social media.

Perceptions of violence or danger

Some people think if you have a mental health problem you're violent or dangerous. The media often add to these views with inaccurate, unfair or sensationalised news stories.

Only a small number of rare mental health conditions have violence as a symptom. Most mental health problems are very unlikely to cause violence. This is unless there are other factors which also affect your behaviour. For example, if you:

• Don't get the support you need for your mental health
• Struggle with drug or alcohol use
• Have a history of being violent, before experiencing mental health problems

The way we perceive violence and danger can also relate to racism. We might see behaviour in different ways depending on the races of the people involved. This may include seeing one person's behaviour as violent but not the other's, due to their race.

Our page on racism and mental health has more information on how racism affects perceptions of mental health. 

One of the things that annoys me stigma-wise is seeing mental health used as a plot twist in films, video games and TV dramas. There’s a whole genre where the big reveal is like, “No, the monster was her trauma the whole time”.

Outdated language

Our understanding of mental health problems has changed a lot over time. We haven't always used the same words to talk about mental health.

Some people may use terms that others think are outdated. Or terms that define you by your mental health, such as ‘hoarder’. These terms might make you feel upset or stigmatised.

Or you might use these older terms to describe yourself. But others might find these terms offensive.

Language about mental health is also sometimes used as an insult. For example, people may call a famous person ‘mentally ill’ if they do something wrong. This can add to mental health stigma, even if it isn't aimed at someone with mental health problems.

Stereotypes

There are lots of stereotypes about mental health problems and their treatments. For example, some people might think that eating problems only affect women. Or that you have to be below a certain weight to have one. These stereotypes aren't true.

Stereotypes can affect our mental health in many ways. They might make us avoid talking about our mental health problem, or seeking help.

This could be because we're worried about how we'll be judged. Or because it seems like some mental health problems don't affect people like us.

There are still so many preconceptions about what it ‘looks like’ to have depression and I don’t fit the stereotype. I’m not constantly sighing, wearing black, or wandering around with a cloud above my head.

Blame for mental health problems

Another type of stigma is thinking that mental health problems happen because of something you've done.

Some people might believe that mental health problems are a punishment for doing something bad. Or caused by being ‘weak’. Or that they're all in your head, and you can fix them by ‘cheering up’.

Remember that having mental health problems isn't your fault. It doesn't make you a bad person and it isn't a weakness. They're real experiences and should be taken seriously.

Guilt and judgement

When we're struggling with our mental health, we may do or say things that we regret. Or things that hurt others.

This can be hard to cope with. We might feel guilty or confused afterwards. And it may cause problems in our relationships.

Some people's views can make this more difficult. For example, people may believe you're using mental health as an excuse for your actions. Or that doing something wrong makes you a bad person.

This could make you feel more guilty. Or feel like you only deserve compassion if you act in a certain way.

Other people might think your mental health problem means your actions are never your responsibility. This can feel patronising or disempowering.

People would say, “Why are you so anxious? Just control it!” and each time, I felt more shame. It was as if my struggle was a personal failing, not anxiety. 

Labels and stigma

Our experiences and feelings can sometimes be labelled or grouped. For example, a mental health diagnosis may feel like a label for your experiences. And your diagnosis might then be labelled as ‘severe’, ‘serious’ or ‘common’.

Sometimes, labelling experiences can be helpful. It may help us understand our experiences, find support or access treatment. Labels can also be helpful for research.

But sometimes, these labels can add stigma. For example, if:

• Certain mental health problems or experiences are prioritised over others.
• Your experiences feature less in the media or awareness campaigns. Or they're shown in a less compassionate or nuanced way.
• You get less support because your diagnosis is seen as difficult to treat.
• You face more stigma about violence or danger because of a diagnosis you've been given.
• Your mental health has been labelled in a way that doesn't describe it. For example, calling it ‘severe’ or ‘serious’ could stigmatise how you feel. Or labelling it as ‘common’ might minimise what you're facing.

Minimising mental health problems

Some people may suggest that mental health problems are not that hard to live with. Or that they're no different to everyday worries.

They might think someone with mental health problems is trying to get attention. And that it's easy to ‘get over’ mental health problems.

There are different reasons why people minimise mental health problems, including:

• Lack of understanding about mental health problems and their impact.
• Not understanding that everyone is different. For example, they may think that everyone should cope with situations like they do.
• Not understanding mental health services and support. They might not realise that there are barriers to getting support, including long waiting lists.
• Wanting to help you or fix the problem. Some people may give advice like ‘be positive’ or ‘just go for a walk’. They may be trying to help, but it can feel frustrating or patronising.
• Supporting their own agenda. For example, some employers may want to avoid giving proper support for mental health. Or people in power may want to justify cuts to mental health services.
• Fear. Some people might want to avoid feeling scared about your distress. So they might minimise your mental health problem to reassure themselves, instead of listening to you.

Even now I get confused about my diagnosis, not least because some people say “Oh that’s too rare, you can’t possibly have it!”

Self-stigma

We may hold negative opinions about our own mental health. This is sometimes called self-stigma or internalised stigma.

You might feel this way because of the attitudes of others. You might believe their opinions, or blame yourself for them. You may also feel shame or guilt about having a mental health problem. Or about things you've done, said or thought.

Self-stigma can also make us feel hopeless or worthless. And it can affect the choices we make. For example, you may feel like you don't deserve close relationships. This could stop you from trying to achieve things or get close to others.

These experiences could then make you feel even worse. It might feel like it's not worth trying at anything.

If you have self-stigma, our pages on self-esteem have some tips that may help.

Structural stigma

Structural stigma is different to stigma between individuals or groups. It relates to how a society, organisation or system is set up. This includes when it works against those of us with mental health problems.

You may also hear this called systemic stigma. Or if the stigma is in an organisation, this might be called institutional stigma.

For those of us with mental health problems, some examples might include:

• Workplace policies that don't support our needs
• Public services that aren't accessible
• Less access to care for our physical health than for people who don't have mental problems
• Less money being spent on mental health research compared with other health problems

Stigma can exist within healthcare, including within mental health services.  

Healthcare professionals should never make assumptions about you. This includes when they're treating your mental health.

How can stigma affect mental health?

Stigma and misconceptions can have a significant impact on those of us with mental health problems. For example, they could:

• Make a mental health problem worse, or make it harder to manage
• Prevent you from getting treatment and support, or keeping up with treatment plans
• Lead to your mental health problem being misdiagnosed
• Make you feel like you can't be yourself
• Make you feel isolated or have problems with the people in your life
• Lead to disability discrimination, hate or abuse
• Stop you from getting a job
• Mean you can't access benefits and welfare support

If we face stigma around lots of parts of our life things can be even harder. This may relate to things like our race, class, gender or sexual orientation. It could also include our mental health.

The interaction between these experiences and parts of our identity is sometimes called intersectionality. It makes each person's experience of stigma unique.

I am also trans which further complicates things. Not for me, but for others who assume any mental health condition is related to me being trans. 

I was treated like a criminal before I was offered support. The officers would take me to the police station and keep me in a holding cell, later escorting me to the local hospital while reiterating that it was my fault.

Tips for dealing with mental health stigma

Facing stigma can be difficult. It can be very hard if it's from someone close, like a family member or colleague. Or someone who should support you, like a healthcare professional.

But there are things you can do to support yourself. And there are people who can help. There are also ways to help change other people's understanding, if this is something you want to try.

Not all these options will be available to everyone. And not everyone you talk to will change their mind. That isn't your fault – you can only try to do whatever works for you.

Some options might include:

• Show people reliable information to help them understand more about your mental health. You could show them our A-Z of mental health. Or you could share real life experiences of mental health. For example, the Your stories pages on our website.
• Get more involved in your treatment. Our page on how to get help from your GP for mental health has information on having a say in your treatment. And we've information on what to do if your GP does not help. 
• Take time for yourself. This might feel hard when you're facing stigma. But looking after your wellbeing could help you feel more able to cope. See our page on wellbeing to find tips.
• Contact an advocate. An advocate is someone who can support your choices and help you make your voice heard. See our pages on advocacy for more information.
• Know your rights. This could help you identify stigma and discrimination. And know what to do about it. Our pages on your legal rights may help.
• Connect with other people with similar experiences. This could be though a support group, an online community or through social media. Our pages on peer support have more information. And our information on looking after your mental health online might be helpful.
• Talk about your experience. Sharing your story can help improve people's understanding and attitudes towards mental health. Find out how to blog or vlog for Mind.
• Get involved in helping us fight for change. Find out about different ways you can get involved with Mind.

I’ve learned not to shy away from it because it makes things worse. Talking about mental health creates change and positivity.