AES#41 Self Stigma

Self Stigma refers to the negative beliefs people have about themselves as a result of public stigma and discrimination. 

Discrimination the unfair treatment of people because they are different. 

Stigma a mark of shame placed on a person by others. 

Public stigma refers to the prejudice and discrimination that is directed at a specific group by the general population. This may lead to the formation of harmful stereotypes such as “people with mental health issues are weak.” Self stigma is when recipients of such stigma start internalizing these harmful stereotypes on themselves. So copying from the example above, the people with “mental health issues” end up accepting and believing that they themselves are weak when they are not. 

What are the different types of self stigma? 

• Alienation: believing that mental illness you have is your own fault, ruining your life. 
• Stereotype endorsement: applying stereotypes about mental illness to yourself 
• Discrimination experience: feeling discriminated against by others 
• Social withdrawal: avoiding social connections, scared of being a burden to others

A damaging effect of self stigma is poor self image. A person with self-stigma can end up believing in the stereotypes that people with mental illness are inferior and less deserving of respect. This may contribute to social withdrawal, poor self worth and reduced care for personal well-being. 

Another effect is a decrease in self-efficacy. The person with self stigma comes to a belief that they can never be able to do things for themselves, ending up with being too reliant on others.

Belief for recovery and hope for the future can also be damaged, as the person takes on the stereotype of an inferior, permanently damaged person. Feelings of poor self worth can contribute to depression and anxiety. In the long run, some may refer to alcohol and drugs to relieve themselves from feeling that way. 

Stigma and Therapy 

Due to the stigma around mental illness, many people tend to be hesitant when it comes to seeking help for it. Many individuals suffer due to a lack of understanding from family members and friends when it comes to the topic of mental health. In fact, there is much stigma around seeking therapy which makes their process of seeking recovery even a harder one to achieve.The American Psychological Association has stated that 30% of people that need therapy have not gone to a therapist due to the stigma surrounding mental illness and counseling. 

People with self-stigma have to realise that such stigmatised ideals are not their fault and more of a product of social injustices. Despite that, it might still take a while for victims of self-stigma to relearn that what they believe is not true and to engage on a journey of recovery and self-understanding.