Mental Wellbeing – Losing the Stigmas

"I’m sorry you feel bad. How can I help?” “It isn’t your fault.” “It’s an illness that can happen to anyone.”

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Be kind to all, for everyone you meet carries a burden.” While many of us may feel occasionally overwhelmed or frustrated, for those living with a mental health condition, the struggle may be more difficult than you realize.

Stigma – negative thoughts or preconceived opinions – can affect the overall well-being of those living with mental health illness and may prevent them from seeking treatment. You can help stop stigma by taking a simple, caring approach. Your reassuring words can offer comfort and may mean more than you know.

There are many misconceptions about what mental illness is and what it means to live with a mental health condition. For example, mental illness is not the result of a personal weakness or lack of character. Without meaning to, our lack of understanding about mental health illness can send stigmatizing messages. What we can do is offer kindness and support to those who are struggling with mental health issues.

​Have you been affected by stigma? Take the quiz at www.curestigma.org and see where your thoughts land and how you can better understand mental health illness. Surprised by your results?

You can learn how to offer your support and become an advocate for people with mental health conditions in the following ways:

• Learn as much as possible about mental health.
• Show interest in your friend or family member’s treatment plan.
• Offer encouragement to seek treatment and stick with it.
• Listen carefully.

​Sara Lee
Mower Refreshed Interim Coordinator 
lee.sara@mayo.edu

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