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Let’s Talk About Stigma

Shutting Down Myths

By Tayler HammondPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Everyone knows that there is a stigma that comes along with having any sort of mental illness. According to the dictionary, stigma means, “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.”

What a definition. Can you imagine being young and diagnosed with something that society thinks is a disgrace? That’s what I want to work on. I know I can’t single-handedly end the stigma, but I hope that maybe I can change the minds of a few people that I know.

Today, I went to the internet and chose six of my favorite stereotypes that have lead to a stigma. I want to share with you why they’re only a myth and what they mean to me personally.

Disclaimer: These are all my own answers. This is what I’ve dealt with personally. I’m not making a generalization because I know that everyone’s story is so different from the next person’s.

1. People with a mental illness are faking it to gain attention.

I’ve actually heard this one several times, and while it may be true for some bad eggs, it’s not true for everyone. There’s always going to be people who use mental illness as a way out, but don’t forget that there are still people who actually suffer from it. When I’m having a day where my depression is acting up, I don’t want to be around anyone at all. I’ve actually had a panic attack in public, and the first thing I do is go somewhere to be alone because I’m so embarrassed. I don’t want attention at all from these things.

2. Happy people can’t be depressed.

This is just stupid. Some of the happiest/funniest/kindest people have some sort of mental illness. I consider myself to be very happy, but some days are more difficult than others. It’s not because I’m unhappy with my life; it’s because my brain chemicals are screwed.

3. People with mental illness are violent.

I actually wasn’t aware that this was a stereotype. I understand why it is though. While it does seem like a lot of shootings have mostly been done by people with a mental illness, it’s not true for all people. These are also extreme cases. I’ve been in some pretty low places, but I’ve never even had the thought of hurting anyone else. The people that are in these places need help. They don’t need to be pushed aside or crushed under the weight of a cruel stigma. People get violent because they feel like other options have been exhausted.

4. Children and teens don’t experience mental illness.

This one I can somewhat understand. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between teenage angst (or puberty) and depression. I actually didn’t know that I had something that was diagnosable until I was almost 18. I just thought I was weird, but looking back, I remember seeing signs of anxiety as early as second grade. It was almost a relief to get diagnosed with something, so I knew what it was instead of just thinking that I was weird. I think for most teenagers anxiety and depression are inevitable just because of what all they’re going through at that time and the weird changes that are going on with their bodies. Any sane person would be depressed if they had to start wearing uncomfortable bras and shaving their legs. I would say something about male puberty, but I don’t know enough about it. Sorry, dudes.

5. Talking about your depression can make it worse.

No no no no no no no. NO. I can’t not say enough how much of a lie this is. Don’t internalize. That’s what I did, and it almost ended in the worst way. Talking about your depression can actually make it a lot easier to deal with. Talking about it with someone that isn’t going to judge you and will actually listen and try to understand is one of the best feelings in the world. That’s why I write because even though I can’t see who is reading. I’m communicating with them in the best way that I know how, and I’m getting it all out. It helps tremendously.

6. Mental illness is a character flaw, and they should just snap out of it.

I hear this one the most, and I think this is the one that irritates me the most. The “snap out of it” can also be disguised as “you just need to think more positively” or “just ignore it” or “stop thinking about it.” You get the idea. I can’t tell you how many times someone has told me to just ignore something, and I’ve gotten frustrated and told them that I wish I could. For me, hearing one of these phrases actually makes it worse for me. I feel like I’m being minimalized. I’ve heard it a lot throughout life, and now I feel like it’s just something people say to push you to the side. It’s especially difficult when I’ve just opened up to someone, and that’s their response. I don’t need you to tell me what you think I need to do. I just need you to listen.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or any other type of mental illness is NOT and never will be a flaw. My struggles with my anxiety and depression have made me the person I am today. While I may not always like who I am, I will ALWAYS accept and love who I am. It’s not going away, and I have my beautiful brain to thank for who I’ve become. I’m proud of who I am, and something that I can’t control is never going to be a flaw.

stigma
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About the Creator

Tayler Hammond

My name is Tayler! I'm just trying to get a handle on this crazy thing called life.

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