10 Ways To End Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma is the erroneous belief that people with mental health disorders are weird, defective, or dangerous, and mental health problems are character flaws rather than diseases. Not only do people with mental illness have to deal with their symptoms, they also face judgement and prejudice. Fear of this stigma makes people less likely to seek treatment, and more likely to suffer in shame and silence. It’s time for mental health stigma to end. Here are 10 ways you can help:

1) Talk openly about mental health.

2) Recognize how common mental health conditions are.

3) Tell your friends and family about your mental health journey.

4) Check in with people. Ask how they are doing, and really listen when they tell you.

5) Speak up if someone you know seems to be struggling.

6) Encourage people to feel comfortable asking for help.

7) Offer support and give it. Go with someone to an appointment, or take them grocery shopping, or help them cook and clean their house.

8) Don’t refer to people as their illness. For instance, say “she has bipolar disorder” not “she is bipolar”.

9) Don’t assume that someone with a mental illness is violent or dangerous.

10) Recognize that people with mental illness are not being manipulative or attention seeking when they ask for help.

If you or someone you know has mental health problems, we would love to help! Call (303) 736-9697 or use the button on the homepage to make an appointment today.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or anyone else, please call 911, go to the ER, or call one of the hotlines below:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

Transgender Lifeline 1-877-565-8860

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline 1 (800) 273-TALK

Crisis Text Line Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling