COMMENTARY: ‘I’m not OK, and that’s all right’

One in four people are or will be affected by a mental disorder at any given time. So why are we still afraid to seek help?

Despite the progress that has been made, stigmas still surround mental illnesses.

The very essence of the word stigma means “to brand” in Greek, and that’s exactly what it does. Those with mental disorders are ashamed to openly admit they have a mental disorder or seek help for fear that they will be branded with stereotypes. These stereotypes are formed out of misunderstanding, and as history has proven, people fear what they don’t know.

In order to combat these stigmas, we must first better understand where they stem from. There are two types of stigmas: social and self-perceived.

The former includes attitudes and stereotypes that society has regarding mental illnesses. The latter is the stigma that someone with a mental disorder perceives and internalizes.

The outside world tends to characterize people with mental disorders as “unpredictable,” “dangerous” and “moody.” As a result, those who have or think they may have a mental illness ignore their symptoms and pretend they do not exist so they are not facing the judgment that oftentimes come with the illness. Therefore, they never seek the help that they need.

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, professor and chair of psychiatry at Columbia University and past president of the American Psychiatric Association, put things into perspective in his TED Talk titled “Imagine There Was No Stigma to Mental Illness.” He explained how we are not ashamed to tell people we have an appointment for a physical ailment, but we are ashamed to openly admit to having an appointment with a therapist.

The reasons behind the internal shame and denial can range. Some think it takes too much time out of their already busy schedule. Others don’t have the funds to see a therapist on a regular basis.

At the same time, some do not want to be labeled or face accusations that their religious faith is not strong enough. Sometimes friends and family of people with mental illness have a false belief that it is a phase or a test of faith. Rather, mental illness is not that simple and that sort of mindset leads to feelings of guilt and alienation.

There are a few ways we can combat these stigmas together including opening the conversation, seeking treatment and refusing to let mental illness define us. Anything can become stigmatized when people are embarrassed to talk about it. The same applies to mental illness.

The only way it can become normalized is to talk about it and treat it as one would any other physical illness. Although it is no longer as stigmatized as it once was, there is still plenty of ground to cover.

Overall, psychology is a young field of study, so our understanding of how the human mind works is the equivalent of barely scratching the surface. With time, open communication, and more of an understanding as to how the brain works, we should face fewer stigmas.

Another important measure to take in combatting stigmas that surround mental illnesses is actually seeking help. Sometimes people have mental illnesses and do not realize it, so they may turn to substances such as alcohol and drugs which worsen their condition. Left unchecked, mental illness can become crippling.

Nearly everyone suffers from a psychological disorder at some point in a lifetime. For most people, depression or anxiety is temporary, but even short-lived disorders that go unchecked can wreak havoc on people’s lives.

It is crucial we understand that having a mental illness does not define us. Sometimes we understand this better when it is concerning a loved one with a mental illness, but we do ourselves a disservice by not applying the same mentality to ourselves. Humans are complex creatures; we are not simply one thing.

We may be diagnosed with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder to name a few, but this does not mean we can’t also be intelligent, funny and kind. It’s time we open the conversation and take away the power that these stigmas have over us.

For students seeking help, please visit Counseling Services in the SSCB 3103.