Breaking the Stigma: Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
For many people, talking about mental health can feel uncomfortable. We openly talk about going to the doctor when we have a cold or when we break a bone; but when it comes to anxiety, depression, or trauma, silence often takes over. This silence is from the long-standing negative attitudes (or stigmas) seen and heard in our environment and media around mental illness (Corrigan & Penn, 2015).
The truth is, mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like our physical health, our emotional and psychological health affects how we live, work, and connect with others.
What Does Stigma Look Like?
Stigma can show up in different ways ( Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014, Corrigan & Penn, 2015; Corrigan & Rao, 2012):
Self-stigma: Feeling shame about your own struggles and believing you should “just get over it”
Social stigma: Worrying others will judge you if they know you’re struggling
Structural stigma: Systems and workplaces that don’t provide enough support
These barriers can prevent people from reaching out, even when they really need help.
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters
It normalizes the experience. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental health condition each year (NIMH, 2023). Sharing stories helps us realize we’re not alone.
It builds connection. Honest conversations open the door for empathy, understanding, and support.
It encourages help-seeking. Research shows that reducing stigma improves the likelihood of people seeking treatment (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014).
It saves lives. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., but talking openly about mental health and seeking support can be protective (CDC, 2024).
How You Can Help Break the Stigma
Be open about your feelings with trusted people.
Challenge harmful language (like “crazy” or “weak”) when you hear it.
Support friends and family by listening without judgment.
Remind yourself and others: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Starting the conversation can feel scary, but it’s an important step toward healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, life changes, or relationship challenges, therapy provides a safe space to talk, learn, and grow.
At Cardinal Hope Mental Health Counseling Services, we believe mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health. If you or someone you love is ready to take that step, we’re here to help.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Suicide prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/
Corrigan, P. W., & Penn, D. L. (2015). Lessons from social psychology on discrediting psychiatric stigma. Stigma and Health, 1(S), 2–17. https://doi.org/10.1037/2376-6972.1.S.2
Corrigan, P. W., & Rao, D. (2012). On the self‐stigma of mental illness: Stages, disclosure, and strategies for change. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(8), 464–469.
Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2014). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37–70.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Mental illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness