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Jocelyn Millorino

Professor Babcock

English 137

20 November 2020

From Shadows to Spotlight: Mental Health

Blockbuster movies such as The Visit, The Silence of the Lambs, and Psycho are just a

few examples of the hundreds of films that portray those suffering from mental illness as

dangerous, violent, and uncontrollable. These movies cast a negative light on mental illness and

have perpetuated the stigma surrounding mental health, labeling the subject as taboo or

inappropriate. Fortunately, however, in the past decade, the advent of policies advocating for

mental health and increased awareness through campaigns, the media, and smartphone

applications have led to the de-stigmatization of mental health and improved overall wellness.

Despite the deep-rooted labeling of mental health as ‘taboo’, there have been several

factors that have led to the decrease in stigma surrounding mental health. Over the last decade,

there have been several legislative acts that have improved health care for those suffering from

mental illnesses while emphasizing the equality between physical and mental ailments. For

example, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 was a crucial step for

mental health proponents. This law forced insurers to offer no fewer benefits to an individual for

mental health treatment than for physical treatment (Mental). Therefore, this act made mental

and physical health equal from a medical standpoint, allowing citizens to realize the importance

of the two. Even more inclusive was the expansion of the Affordable Care Act. This update

allowed for mental health and substance use disorders to be included in the Essential Health

Benefits while providing more Americans with health care access (Affordable). Since mental
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health is now deemed as essential as physical health, the stigma surrounding it decreases.

Furthermore, the Americans with Disabilities Act has also decreased the negative connotation.

This law protects people with mental illnesses through anti-discrimination rules when applying

for jobs. It also allows people with mental illnesses to request reasonable accommodations in the

workplace, such as flexible hours, adjusted job tasks, leaves of absences, etc. (Work). This act

emphasizes that mental illness is not a weakness or a choice, like the stigma suggests, but a

disability that can have physical impairments with negative effects on work and productivity.

Another major change that has been implemented in both schools and workplaces is excused

mental health days. Laws have been passed in multiple states, such as Utah, to expand the

definition of a sick day to include mental health-related absences due to anxiety, depression, etc.

(Strauss). The definition of a valid excuse is now “an illness, whether it be mental or physical”,

to ensure that students and families know that mental and physical health are weighed the same.

This is a huge step for normalizing taking a break when one’s mental health is lacking, and

prioritizing mental health over struggling through the work-day. Expanding the definition an

excused absence also works to validate both mental and physical struggles. Therefore, through

the expansion of mental health-care benefits and the implementation of new policies, mental and

physical health have been equated from a medical standpoint, which has helped decrease the

stigma surrounding mental health.

Similarly to the impact of policies on mental health, various organizations have also

facilitated conversations and openness to normalize this topic. For example, the World Health

Organization (WHO) has released a 2013-2020 mental health action plan that focuses on

reducing stigma, improving access to health care, strengthening information systems and

improving governance and leadership in mental health (Saxena). Since the WHO spans the
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United Nations, this action plan has a huge affect on countries all across the world. The leader in

health has emphasized the importance of improving mental health and decreasing the stigma,

spurring others will follow suit. In a similar fashion, major sports associations have also

implemented mental health initiatives to increase awareness and foster support for players. In

2018, the National Basketball Association (NBA) launched a mental health and wellness

program, allowing players to gain better access to counselors and other services they may need:

“[...] As the faces of an iconic sport with more than 1 billion fans worldwide, current and

former NBA players have been, arguably, the most important factor in driving this

awareness initiative. Their increasing willingness to share personal struggles and discuss

issues often seen as taboo in elite sports can help others feel more comfortable about

opening up or seeking treatment” (How NBA).

Playing at the highest level of a sport is both physically and mentally demanding, therefore

providing athletes for support in all areas of their health is extremely important. However, this

initiative’s impact does not end with professional athletes. Millions of people tune into these

sporting events and look up to these athletes. Those watching these influential players open up

about their own struggles with mental health inspires fans to do the same. Additionally,

professional athletes prioritizing their mental health just as much as their physical health speaks

volumes about the importance of mental health. Another very important campaign that has

sprouted aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health is World Mental Health Day. First

celebrated on October 10, 1992, this day has gained a lot of traction in schools and on social

media. Each year, the focus on World Mental Health Day changes, ranging from mental health in

the workplace and suicide prevention. Designating a day dedicated to raising awareness for

mental health is instrumental in decreasing the stigma. Students all over the world now learn
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about mental health on this day, which increases knowledge about the topic and encourages

conversations. Implementing mental health in school curriculum emphasizes that mental health is

essential to overall well being, which in turn decreases the stigma surrounding it.

Perhaps even more influential than policies and campaigns aimed at mental health are the

celebrities who have started the conversation about mental health. Hundreds of singers, actors,

and other influential figures have spoken up about their own struggles with their mental health,

increasing awareness while perpetuating the notion that mental health affects everyone, no matter

one’s social status. In fact, “experts say talking openly about mental health can help break down

stigmas that persist around depression, addiction, eating disorders and other issues” (Butler).

Thus, when famous celebrities utilize their platforms with millions of followers, this shows their

fans that mental health is worth talking about. Demi Lovato has been particularly influential and

outspoken about her own struggles with her mental health. At the National Council of Behavioral

Health in Washington, D.C., Lovato reveals:

“I think it's important that people no longer look at mental illness as something taboo to

talk about. It's something that's extremely common, one in five adults has a mental

illness, so basically everyone is essentially connected to this problem and this epidemic.

The problem with mental illness is people don't look at it as a physical illness. When you

think about it, the brain is actually the most complex organ in your body. We need to treat

it like a physical illness and take it seriously” (35).

Demi Lovato has a massive following with almost 100 million followers on Instagram, most of

them females ranging from 15-23. Since this is a very impressionable age group, Lovato has the

power to influence how the younger generation views mental health by helping to start

uncomfortable yet essential conversations. The singer feels so passionate about this subject that
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she even started her own campaign, Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health, in the hopes that she

will encourage people to talk more freely about their struggles to get the help they need. In a

similar fashion, Prince Harry has also revealed his journey with mental health as he was

suffering from anxiety and depression after the sudden death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Prince Harry has launched the Heads Together Campaign with Prince Harry and Kate Middleton,

focused on “ending the stigma around mental health issues” (35). Since Prince Harry is a

member of the British royal family, he is a well-known figure with a large following. Using his

and his wife’s platform to spread awareness to end the stigma around mental health is a huge step

towards improvement. Finally, Lisa Nicole Carson has also opened up about her battle with

bipolar disorder. Carson decided to take a break from shooting her hit show “ER” in order to get

help and focus on her mental health. In an interview in 2015, Carson revealed: “I'm tackling the

myth that African-American women have to be pillars of strength. We have the right to fall. We

have the right not to always have our shit together” (35). Not only is Lisa touching on the

vulnerability of African American women, she is also sending a message of prioritizing mental

health to her fans. Although her acting career was taking off, Carson recognized the signs of

declining mental health and the importance of taking a break in order to fix these issues.

Acknowledging one’s limitations and need for help is extremely important in decreasing stigma

surrounding any topic, but especially for mental health. Therefore, vocal celebrities are very

instrumental in the increase of conversation and creation of resources designed to tackle the

mental health stigma.

Although celebrities are extremely successful in garnering support for the mental health

movement, one doesn’t have to have millions of followers to make an impact. The internet and

social media has given the average citizen a platform to voice their thoughts and opinions. Free
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applications such as Instagram and Facebook make it super easy to repost helpful infographics

filled with resources those struggling can utilize. Users also simply can share their own stories of

their struggles to let others know that they are not alone, and that there are ways to get help.

Seeing one’s family and friends opening up about mental health, rather than celebrities, can

sometimes have an even greater impact on de-stigmatizing mental health because it has a more

personal aspect. Knowing someone successful has had their own trials is inspiring, but having a

personal support network that one can reach out to when they are struggling can be more

meaningful than a stranger. According to a survey by MentalHelp.net, “50% of those surveyed

believe that social media has helped decrease the mental health stigma” (The Stigma). Therefore,

the stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing on a large and small scale. Celebrities have

had the most impact on creating large support for the movement, whereas smaller support

networks have helped on a personal level.

Technology’s effect on de-stigmatizing mental health has not ended at social media. The

advent of applications on smartphones have also further normalized mental health and getting

help. In fact, there are hundreds of apps available to help users combat a myriad of disorders,

such as depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several others. These

apps work by utilizing proven techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance

Commitment Theory (Truschel). For example, “NotOK” is an app that features a large red button

that notifies close friends and family that the user is struggling and is in need of his or her

support network. This is a quick, easy, and effective way to let loved ones know that they are in a

mental health emergency and need help. Another mental health-oriented app is “Mood Kit.” This

app shows users 200 ways to improve mood, such as exercise, meditation, and listening to music.

Mood Kit also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by targeting the user's way of thinking to
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develop more healthy attitudes. Since phones are practically glued to our hands, having an app

remind you to be kind to yourself can make a world of a difference. Finally, “Breathe2Relax” is

an app designed to help users relax. Breathe2Relax utilizes diaphramic breathing, deep breathing

exercises that decrease the body’s “fight or flight” responses. This app is great for those suffering

from anxiety and PTSD, as it helps users calm down and regain their touch with reality

(Truschel). Although these apps are not a direct substitute for in-person therapy, they are very

convenient if one has limited financial resources or they simply feel more comfortable using

technology. According to Dr. Sal Raichbach, anonymity is also very appealing to these

app-users: “The privacy of using an app gives some individuals the feeling of separation they

need while still being able to find answers to their questions within the comfort of their own

homes” (Truschel). If one is still not yet comfortable meeting in-person, these apps are a great

alternative. The mental health industry has also expanded to offer online therapy where you can

meet with a therapist over a video conference. In fact, “The low cost, accessibility and added

convenience opens therapy up to a whole new audience” (Kosecki). Clearly, mental health has

adapted to the new digital age by supporting users through their smartphones. This is a huge step

towards normalizing mental health by making therapy more commonplace and available in our

daily lives. Practicing mindful breathing through an anxiety app is now as normal as following

an at-home workout from Youtube. Therefore, new technology and apps that allow users to get

help from the comfort of their own home has helped implement mental health into daily life to

decrease the stigma.

Despite all of these push factors that have worked to decrease the stigma surrounding

mental health, there is a generational component to this paradigm shift. Teens nowadays are now

more knowledgeable about mental health. As illustrated in a survey by MentalHelp.net, “48% of

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those aged 55 and older believe they are at least slightly informed on mental illness, whereas

63% of 18-24 year olds believe the same” (The Stigma). Therefore, the younger generation

believes that they have at least a base knowledge of mental health, whereas the older generations

believe they are less knowledgeable. This knowledge has stemmed from both information

accumulated from social media and increased education in schools. In fact, younger people are

now learning about mental health at an earlier age, contributing to the increased perceived

knowledge of mental health. A 2015 study by American University states that “Millennials grew

up hearing about anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicide, and they are more accepting

of others with mental illness. Millennials are more likely to talk about mental health than their

parents or grandparents. As more people speak out, the stigma surrounding mental illness is

beginning to lessen” (Millennials). Being introduced to a topic at a young age normalizes it, as

they have been brought up talking about mental health and it is now a commonplace

conversation to take place at home, on social media, and at school. Since this topic has been

around for this generation's entire lives, they are more likely to find it normal and less taboo than

the generations before them. Furthermore, the younger generations are also more likely to speak

out about their mental health. Whereas GenXers are just 13% likely to report mental health

issues and millenials at 15%, GenZ is the most likely to report mental health problems with 27%

(Destigmatizing). Although these numbers are still low, it is promising to see these percentages

increase as generations go on. These statistics suggest that as time goes on, generations are more

likely to talk about mental health and further decrease the stigma. As supported by Dr. Samuel

Fiala, Texas A&M Central Texas Associate Professor and Chair of Counseling Psychology, “I

think we definitely see more openness to mental health, less stigmatizing. Young people realize

that today, if you’re going to talk to a therapist or a counselor, that doesn’t mean that you’re
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crazy or insane. It means that you are having some struggles and that you need someone to talk

to” (Loring). While seeking help from a therapist was previously seen as weak and embarrassing,

younger generations are now recognizing that there is bravery in admitting that one needs help.

People are now supported, no longer shamed, for receiving therapy and other treatments. As a

whole, newer generations have taken mental health in stride and have contributed to the overall

de-stigmatization of mental health.

Although the younger generations are more outspoken about mental health, there have

been improvements in mental health across all generations. For instance, “Nearly 50% of

Americans have reported a visit to a mental health professional in their household this year, [...]

and 91% said that they would likely consult or recommend a mental health professional if they or

a family member were experiencing a problem” (Destigmatizing). This data suggest that the

stigma around mental health is decreasing, leading people to be more willing to seek help for

mental health. People are no longer ashamed to admit that their loved ones have seeked help

from mental health professionals. Furthermore, conversation about mental health is no longer

considered “taboo”. According to the Mental Psychological Association, “87% of American

Adults agreed that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of”

(Destigmatizing). Whereas, even a decade ago, people considered mental illness as dangerous

and shameful, people now understand that there is no shame in having suffering mental health.

As the years go on, citizens are now more knowledgeable and understanding about mental

health. According to the CDC, in 1996, only 54% of the US public attributed major depression to

neurobiological cases. Since 2006, those numbers have increased to 67%. Furthermore, in 1996,

78% of people endorsed the benefits of treatment by a physician for people with major

depression. 10 years later, 91% of people now endorse these benefits. These statistics indicate
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that the public is gradually progressing in its understanding of mental illness (How Do). In just

one decade, the public has become more welcoming towards mental health and no longer

attributes mental illness as a choice, but a disability that can be passed down through

generations. With this newfound understanding comes more widespread acceptance which

decreases the stigma. Therefore, the stigma surrounding mental health is clearly decreasing and it

is steadily becoming more acceptable as generations go on.

Despite the advancements that policies, campaigns, celebrities, social media, and

applications have done to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health, there are always

improvements to be made. According to the American Psychological Association, “suicide is the

second-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24, surpassed only by accidents”

(Teen). Since suicide is a preventable death caused by mental illness in 90% of cases, society as a

whole needs to continue to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in order to make

people more willing to get the help they need. Decreasing the stigma not only lets people be

more comfortable with who they are, but it saves lives.

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