Self-Stigma: We Are Our Harshest Judge
In recent times, we have shifted away from blaming others for their mental health struggles, yet, we continue to blame ourselves.
In Australia, our society has seen a huge shift in the way we perceive mental health issues. In the past, people who admitted to struggling with mental illnesses were seen as weak, a stigma that continues to linger today. Thankfully, through campaigns and public figures sharing their stories, this view is shifting.
Young people, in particular, are more accepting of the reality that mental health issues are a part of life that must be managed. Even older generations are coming around to understand this. There has been a huge shift in the public’s perspective on mental health, yet there is one stigma that continues to cause significant harm — self-stigma.
What is Self-Stigma?
Generally, when we hear of someone struggling with mental health issues, we are understanding and gracious towards that individual. We now understand that these are real issues that need addressing. Blame is rarely placed on the individual as a result of the shift of attitudes towards mental health. This is a great thing.
Something strange happens when we are faced with our mental health issues. Suddenly, the grace and understanding we give to others are not reflected on ourselves. We shame ourselves for feeling this way and become resistant to the idea of seeking help, even though we advocate it for others. This is self-stigma. Recently, Australia’s Health Minister, Greg Hunt, claimed that challenging self-stigma is the next frontier.
‘Coming Out’
This makes a lot of sense. Mental illness affects the way we think so it is understandable that our views on seeking help can change. That voice in your head that shames you can get quite loud during times of struggle. Yet we still know, deep down, that seeking help is the road to good mental health. Our first step is ‘coming out.’
In a study on self-stigma by Patrick W. Corrigan and Deepa Rao, disclosure, or ‘coming out,’ is suggested at the first step to overcoming self-stigma. Of course, this is easier said than done, and it’s not without some risk. The study suggests you take a journey that looks a little like this.
Stop 1: Social Avoidance
This is the starting place for self-stigma. We avoid interaction with others in case they find out about our struggles and judge us for it. This is the start, but we can’t stay here.
Stop 2: Secrecy
We then take the step out into our world where we pretend everything is fine and hope that no one asks how we are doing. Our mental health issues are our little secret.
Stop 3: Selective Disclosure
The first step in ‘coming out.’ We select a small group of people or even an individual to open up to. This would be someone we trust and know will be helpful and understanding.
Stop 4: Indiscriminate Disclosure
Once you’ve told one person or a small group, you start to feel better about it. You become more open about what you’re going through. When people ask how you’re doing, you tell them, honestly.
Stop 5: Broadcast
You’re out now and it feels good, a weight has been lifted. You feel somewhat proud that you’re now overcoming your struggles and you want people to know that they can too.
If you’re reading this and you’re fighting a secret battle alone, it’s time to come out. Find the right people and share what you’re going through. Trust me, you’ll feel the weight lift off your shoulders as you take your first step towards positive mental health.
