Miyuki Yamaguchi Espada

Psychology 12

Reflection #9

June, 2020

1) What is stigma?

Stigma can be defined as “​a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance,

quality, or person.” (​https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/stigma​)

Stigma is often created through media, culture, myths and general fear of the unknown.

Society has a difficult time handling topics that make it uncomfortable, and a usually

invisible illness is one such thing. This discomfort is stigmatizing enough as it is, but through

many other factors mental health is still shrouded in negativity, that can have fatal

consequences.

2) We have stated that stigma surrounding mental health is “socially constructed”.

What does that mean, and why is it significant?

What is meant by stigma being “socially constructed” is that stigma is not something that

previously existed, it’s something that was created by others. We as a society have built these
misguided often life threatening myths out of fear and confusion, and this is important to

remember because it shows that it’s reversible.

Stigma was something created by all of us, it means that it can be erased by all of us.

3) In what ways are mental illnesses stigmatized? Provide specific examples.

Culturally​:

In many cultures around the world (especially in Asian cultures), mental health is a topic that

is almost always swept under a rug. In these countries, many experience a massive number of

mental health crises and yet do not speak about them openly or at all.

Mental health is looked to be a problem that doesn't exist, or one that reflects badly on the

family of the person struggling since it is so misunderstood. The family may be the topic of

rumours and it may even be said that they are the cause of the illness or that they are all

“crazy” or “weird”, the same goes with the illnesses. This prevents people from receiving the

help they need, or furthering their mental health crisis.

Those with depression may be pushed out by others, called names and blamed for being

“lazy” or “selfish” when in fact it’s society’s fault for not accommodating for such a

prevalent illness.

Taking medicine such as antidepressants is a major taboo and is seen as something for “crazy

people”or “insane people”, which will also reflect badly on the user. The user may be
referred to as “dangerous”, “unstable”, “crazy” and many other things, and will generally be

avoided.

So in such a world where the pressure of living is extremely heavy, there’s no support, and no

information on potential reasons as to why a person may feel a certain way, can drive many

to the brink, and sadly many commit suicide because they do not know any other way out.

Misinformation/Generalizations​:

Those with mental illnesses are often deemed to be “crazy” and “insane” by most of society

in general due to misinformation and fear of the unknown.

For example, those with depression are seen to be individuals that are “never happy”,

“constantly sad”, and “always want to die”. These are comments I have received personally,

which have impacted my life negatively, and prevented me from sharing this part of me with

others, in fear of those around me seeing me in a different light.

Other common examples of generalization can be that those with OCD are people who are

“obsessed with symmetry” or are just “clean freaks”.

Though these comments don’t sound too harsh, they play a big part in alienating those with

these mental health struggles.

4) What are the consequences of stigmatizing mental illness?

The consequences of stigmatizing mental illness are, and can be, extremely severe and in

some cases fatal. By stigmatizing mental illness, society is confining those who are already

struggling to stay afloat to their sinking ship out of fear, confusion and lack of self worth.

If someone were to begin to realize that they may have a problem, but was afraid of what it

meant to have that specific problem, then it more often than not stops them from reaching out

to resources that can help.

If someone were to open up to a loved one about their struggles, only to be put down or told

they were wrong or overreacting or to be quiet about it, then what kind of message does this

send to the person? It teaches them that it is wrong to have this problem, that if they have it

that there is something gravely wrong with them and they should be ashamed of it or not care

about it so much because they should just “toughen up” and deal with it.

These are only two examples out of the many that exist, but both of these I have experienced

first hand. I can confidently say that from personal experience, stigmatizing mental health can

be the difference between life and death.

Had there not been so much stigma around mental health culturally, in media, at school and

in society in general, I would have most definitely reached out for help years before I actually

did. Had there not been so much stigma around mental health I could have been beginning

my journey to health and “normality” much sooner. Had there not been so much stigma

around mental health I would have been able to learn about resources and facts that would
have helped me put labels to thoughts and emotions (both mental and physical) that disturbed

much of my life. But I am one of the lucky few.

Around the world there are many who fall victim, and will continue to, fall victim to the

stigma created around a health crisis that has existed for longer than we all know. By

continuing to be a society that stigmatizes mental health, we are alienating those who already

feel alone, refusing service to those who are suffering (but perhaps not visibly) and

disregarding the many battles won and lost by millions across the globe today and for many

years to come.

Stigmatizing mental health is detrimental in all aspects. It can be fatal. It needs to change.

5) What can you as a high school student do to reduce stigma in mental illness?

Even without the knowledge of a psychologist, there are many ways in which youth can help

reduce the stigma around mental health…:

- Get educated​: learn more about what exists, what to do, and how common it is, etc.

- Be a good and respectful listener​: more often than not people just need someone who

can listen to them without judgement, by listening it is possible to learn more about

mental health in a much more personal way, not everyone’s story is the same, etc.

- Be there/be open​: a simple action can go a long way

- Show your support​: practice empathy, understanding, kindness, openness, respect,

care, etc.
 - Share your knowledge​: share what you know/learn with others (upon fact checking of

course) and help spread the word so that normality can be born

- Stand up/speak up/start the conversation​: intervene if insults, teasing, jokes etc. are

being made about the topic, speak out about the importance of the topic, join a mental

health advocacy youth group (such as Jack Chapters), do

fundraisers/events/presentations etc. about the topic or share your story

Join your local Jack Chapter or start one​: a Jack Chapter is a club that is usually run out of

schools or other youth oriented spaces, and is part of Jack.Org, an organization that

empowers young people to erase the stigma around mental health, teaches how to be there for

others, and learn more about mental health in general. Whistler Secondary School has a

lovely chapter that I highly recommend to join.