The year is 2022. Society is becoming more focused on the importance of mental health, but much work still needs to be done. This stigma surrounding mental illness remains present and may even carry more weight for healthcare professionals themselves.
According to the World Health Organization, as many as two-thirds of people who experience mental health difficulties do not seek the appropriate treatment. This number is probably higher for professionals due in part to the fact that stigmas still exist and can cause people to feel ashamed.
Given that anyone struggling with mental health issues is already carrying a daily burden having to grapple with stigmas is additional, unnecessary pain.
In order for anyone, including professionals, to be able to assist others, something needs to be done to address this problem.
What are the different leves of Stigma?
Mental health stigma is defined as the disgrace, social disapproval, or social discrediting of individuals with a mental health problem. This can stem from multiple levels. It may be one or multiple levels simultaneously. These levels include:
Self-stigma or the intra-individual level.
You may feel reluctant to disclose information about your mental health or seek care due to your own negative attitudes or biases.
The interpersonal level.
Reluctance around mental health may come from the perceived stereotypes of your peers or the general public. You may not want your colleagues to form opinions that alter your working relationship due to knowledge of any mental health concern.
The third level is a structural one.
Studies have shown that healthcare professionals are more likely to suffer in silence. Not only because of the stigma but also for fear of negative consequences. You may find yourself fearful of losing resources or even being denied opportunities. Many employers and facility systems have outdated, strict rules or standards that could result in punitive measures.
Licensure Barriers
Anyone who has filled out an employment or licensing application may be familiar with the questions “do you have any mental or physical conditions that may affect your ability to perform your job?” or “do you take any medications that might affect your competence and safety in completing your duties?” How are you supposed to answer that when the truth could be harmful to your career?
By answering falsely, you are misleading and not addressing your mental needs.
By answering truthfully, you could be hurting your career trajectory.
Choose Empowerment
Professionals need to be better advocates for themselves and their peers. Own your mental health as a part of your story. Choose not to allow others to dictate how you feel. Most importantly, fight stigma by not having stigma against yourself.
Break the Cycle
The notion that professionals are superhuman and mental health struggles don’t apply is a barrier that needs to come crashing down. We need to normalize mental health acceptance and open up a safe space for communication to happen. Talking about your experience may open discussion for others to share theirs. It is time to take control of the narrative and create a newer, safer space of acceptance. Solidarity among professionals is key to reducing the toxic work culture that exists today.
Promote Future Change
If professionals are open and honest about their own mental health and treatment, it may promote more openness toward their clients. Talking about your mental health may guide you in asking different questions or making different referrals. A top-down approach may be just what our society needs. This could be the change that ends the stigma altogether.
If you are looking for guidance on how to move forward or even assistance for yourself, reach out today.
Read more about Integrative Therapy for High-Achievers here.