BLOG: Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

02 Feb BLOG: Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

Mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing, yet stigma and misconceptions can still make it difficult for people to speak openly about their experiences or seek the support they need.

Negative attitudes, a lack of understanding and fear of being judged can create significant barriers for people experiencing mental health difficulties. The impact of stigma can be far-reaching, affecting relationships, confidence, employment and a person’s willingness to access support.

Whether you are experiencing mental health difficulties yourself or supporting a loved one, colleague or neighbour, stigma can contribute to feelings of isolation, fear and hopelessness. It can cause people to hide how they are feeling, delay seeking help or withdraw from their communities.

No one should face discrimination because of their mental health. By challenging inaccurate stereotypes, encouraging open conversations and treating others with compassion, we can all help create a more understanding and supportive society.

What can we do to help reduce stigma?

1. Educate ourselves and others

Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of their age, background or circumstances. Learning more about mental health and understanding how to approach sensitive conversations are important first steps towards challenging stigma.

Let’s look at some common misconceptions and the facts behind them.

Myth: “People are faking it or doing it for attention.”

Fact: Mental health difficulties are real, even when symptoms are not immediately visible to others. Everyone’s experience is different, and we may not always understand what someone is going through. Listening without judgement and taking people seriously can help them feel heard, valued and supported.

Myth: “You can’t recover from mental health problems.”

Fact: Recovery is possible, although everyone’s journey is different. With appropriate support, treatment and understanding, many people learn to manage their mental health and improve their wellbeing. Friends and family can play an important role in helping someone access support, but it is equally important to recognise that recovery looks different for everyone.

Myth: “Mental illness is a sign of personal failure.”

Fact: Experiencing mental health difficulties is not a sign of weakness, laziness or personal failure. Mental health conditions can develop due to a combination of factors, including life experiences, trauma, genetics, physical health and environmental circumstances. Anyone can experience difficulties with their mental health, and everyone deserves compassion, understanding and support.

2. See the person, not the condition

Stigma occurs when someone is viewed negatively because of their mental health. Discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly as a result.

It is important to challenge attitudes and assumptions that cause people to be judged or excluded because of their mental health.

Be mindful of the language you use. Words such as “psycho”, “crazy” and “lunatic” can reinforce harmful stereotypes and make it harder for people to speak openly about their experiences.

Having a mental health condition does not define a person. Everyone has their own experiences, strengths and challenges, and mental health difficulties deserve the same understanding and respect as physical health conditions.

Using respectful, person-centred language can make a real difference. For example:

• Say “They are living with bipolar disorder” rather than defining someone solely by their diagnosis.
• Say “They have depression” rather than using language that reduces a person to their condition.
• Say “They died by suicide” rather than “they committed suicide”, which can imply blame.

We can also reinforce stigma without realising it. Telling someone to “cheer up”, “snap out of it” or “be more positive” may unintentionally dismiss what they are experiencing. Similarly, avoiding someone because we feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health can leave them feeling isolated.

We do not need to have all the answers to support someone. Taking the time to listen, asking how they are doing and responding with empathy can make a meaningful difference.

3. Connect with others

People experiencing mental health difficulties deserve the same care, compassion and practical support that we offer to those with physical health conditions. However, stigma can sometimes lead to people feeling excluded from workplaces, social activities, community groups and family gatherings.

Positive and understanding attitudes from family, friends, employers, service providers and the wider community can help people feel valued and supported in their recovery.

Here are some simple ways to support someone who may be struggling:

• Offer support. Encourage them to seek professional help if appropriate, and help them find relevant services or support groups if they would find this useful.
• Listen without judgement. Give people the space to talk about their experiences without feeling pressured to explain themselves.
• Show empathy. You do not have to fully understand someone’s experience to treat them with kindness and respect.
• Challenge misconceptions. Speak up when you hear inaccurate or harmful assumptions about mental health.
• Share reliable information. Help others develop a better understanding of mental health by directing them towards trusted sources.

Sometimes, simply letting someone know that you are there for them can make all the difference.

How can you help challenge mental health stigma?

Start the conversation

Talking openly about mental health can help break down barriers, challenge misconceptions and remind people that they are not alone.

You can help by starting conversations with friends, family and colleagues, sharing reliable information online and supporting mental health awareness initiatives throughout the year.

Explore resources and campaigns from organisations such as Samaritans and the Mental Health Foundation.

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid

We all have a role to play in creating environments where mental health matters and people feel comfortable seeking support.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England provides training to help people recognise signs of mental health difficulties, offer initial support and guide others towards appropriate help.

Oakleaf offers Mental Health First Aid training both in person and online, helping individuals and organisations develop the knowledge and confidence to support mental health in their communities and workplaces.

Find out more about Oakleaf’s Mental Health First Aid training.

Share your experience

Sharing your experiences of mental health difficulties, if you feel comfortable doing so, can help challenge misconceptions and reassure others that they are not alone.

There should be no shame in experiencing mental health difficulties, and no one should feel pressured to hide what they are going through. Every person’s experience is different, and choosing whether to share your story is a personal decision.

Small acts of kindness and understanding can also have a lasting impact. Explore the Mental Health Foundation’s resources on why kindness matters.

Know that help is available

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available. Reaching out can feel difficult, but you do not have to face things alone.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123, free of charge, at any time of day or night, to talk to someone.
• Mind: Find information and support relating to mental health difficulties.
• NHS: Access information about mental health conditions, treatments and available support.
• Citizens Advice: Get advice on a range of issues that may affect your wellbeing.
• Oakleaf Safe Haven: Find out more about the support available through Oakleaf.

If you need urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.

Together, we can challenge stigma

At Oakleaf, we are committed to improving the lives of people managing mental ill-health in Surrey, promoting awareness and challenging the stigma that too often surrounds mental health.

We believe everyone deserves to feel valued, understood and supported. By educating ourselves, choosing our words carefully and treating others with compassion, we can all contribute to a community where mental health matters and people feel able to seek help without fear of judgement.

You can help Oakleaf continue this vital work for the next 30 years by supporting our services and helping us make a difference to people’s lives. Visit our website to find out more about supporting Oakleaf.