3.1 Stigma
What is Stigma and Self-Stigma?
There are different types of stigma. Self-stigma is, “negative attitudes, including internalized shame, that people with mental illness have about their own condition” (Borenstein, 2020). Public stigma is negative attitudes against individuals. Institutional stigma which is where an organization limits opportunities for people living with mental illness (Borenstein, 2020).
Reflection Questions
- What does stigma mean to you? What might it look like and feel like?
- Have you had an experience with stigma? What was it like?
- What can social service workers due to prevent and stop stigma?
Origins/Causes of Stigma
There are groups of people that are considered to be more vulnerable to experiencing stigma; for example, certain chronic physical and mental health conditions, people testing positive for COVID, certain racial and ethnic groups, people living with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
Impacts of Stigma (including culture)
Our culture can impact our beliefs and our understanding of individuals and behaviors. It can also impact how a person seeks support, copes, resource finding, understanding of symptoms, beliefs about treatment and meaning making. The expression of mental health issues can be different among cultures and the attitudes and perceptions of people living with mental health issues can vary among cultures. Culture- bound syndromes are “meaning of diseases or conditions that are only recognized within a specific culture or society.” (Lifeworks, 2021) for example Amok.
Stigma can worsen the symptoms of a mental health issue. It can cause people to isolate, reduced hope, challenges to relationships, work related issues, rumination, and fear. Some people believe that mental health stigma is worse than the actual mental health issue. Stigma is one of the leading causes of people not accessing care for their mental health. A study done in 2017 found that people with self-stigma had a poor mental health recovery time.
How to Address Stigma
-talk openly
-educate yourself and others
-be mindful of language
-explore with gentle curiosity
-advocate
-chose empowerment
What can Social Service Workers do?
Social service workers can talk openly about stigma, address stigma within themselves, educate themselves and others, advocate in their workplace and community, and chose empowerment over shame.
Activity
Create a social media post to advocate against stigma
Case Study
Demi, 24 year old, has been struggling with feeling depressed for the last year. She struggles to leave her room and has not been engaging as much with friends and family. Demi cries often, rarely showers, and does not eat regularly. Demi’s mom has been pushing her to try to hangout with friends. Demi said she just cannot and feels too down. Demi’s mom responds by telling Demi to “just snap out of it” or “it’s all in your head.” This leaves Demi feeling sad, discouraged, and ashamed.
Please take a moment to reflect on the case study. Where is the stigma? What might be a different approach to supporting Demi?
References
Borenstein,J. (August 2020). Stigma, Prejudice, and Discrimination Against People With Mental Illness. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved September 4, 2023 from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination#:~:text=Self%2Dstigma%20refers%20to%20the,have%20about%20their%20own%20condition.
Lifeworks. (September 2021). Mental Health: Cultural and ethnic stigmas. Retrieved September 9, 2023 fromhttps://wellbeing.lifeworks.com/ca/newsletter-content/mental-health-cultural-and-ethnic-stigmas/
