Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness for Teens - How Adults Can Help
The stigma of mental illness is one of the few remaining prejudices against people who are ill. Even with today's medical knowledge and education, people with mental illnesses suffer discrimination. The harmful effects of stigma are especially damaging to teens with mental illnesses who must face the challenges of adolescence with the additional burden of being judged and shamed.
To understand the impact of stigma, this statistic from the Canadian Mental Health Association states, "It is estimated that 10-20% youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder and among those affected only 1 out of every 5 youth who need help will actually receive it." Stigma plays a role in this failure to receive help.
Teens who experience the onset of mental illness might avoid seeking help because they fear being judged. Uninformed adults might misinterpret warning signs as the behaviours of a teen who is 'going through a phase' or is 'seeking attention'. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can reduce the chance of recovery and rob sufferers of hope and well-being.
Stigma's harmful effects on youth include:
Lack of support and understanding by family and friends
Isolation, loneliness
Hiding symptoms and avoiding help because of fear and shame
Bullying and harassment
Self-doubts about abilities and recovery
Why stigma persists:
Negative stereotypes about mental illness are deeply entrenched in society. Historic fears persist about aberrant behavior and beliefs that blame victims for being 'weak' or 'deviant'. Negative words in our language and the stories we tell perpetuate these beliefs and fears.
For example, although the media does not deliberately set out to stigmatize, its reliance on common themes and type-casting generates shows about 'psychotic killers' and news that combines violent crime with mental illness.
Ways to reduce stigma's harm to teens:
Even if your own family does not experience mental illness, your teen has a good chance of knowing someone at school who does. Reducing stigma in general can have many positive outcomes for children, families, schools, and communities. All adults, whether parents or not, can do small things to change attitudes.
Don't equate the person with the illness: Language can insinuate negative beliefs. Instead of referring to someone as, "He's bipolar," or "She's schizophrenic," say "He has bipolar disorder," or "She has schizophrenia." The difference might seem subtle but the first one is a label while the second is a non-judgemental statement.
Do not let stigma create shame and self-judgement: Show by your own words and deeds that mental illness is not a sign of weakness nor is it anyone's fault. There is no shame in being ill, seeking counselling, education about a condition, and connecting with others for mutual support. Praise efforts to seek help. Recognize acts of compassion.
Get informed: Ask your healthcare provider for information about mental illnesses and their treatments. Learn all you can and help your teen learn the facts about mental illnesses, their treatments, and paths to recovery. This will help teens recognize and resist prejudices.
Use negative media portrayals as discussion starters: Perhaps the day will come when the media is more sensitive in its portrayals of people with mental illnesses. Until then, use negative stereotypes as opportunities to discuss myths versus facts and perceptions versus realities. Do not underestimate the damage these stereotypes can have on a young mind. Opening a conversation with your teen is a good way to show support.
