Stigma of mental illness has been a part of American culture for decades. Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace or discredit, which often set people apart from others, and stigma of mental illness is the idea that people with any type of mental disorder are immediately set apart from everyone else. Individuals diagnosed with a particular mental illness, including 18.2% of adults, can have a very adverse reaction towards this preconceived notion, and many experts agree that all stigma can do is hurt those that are in need of help.

The knee-jerking reaction to mental illness is secrecy; for a person with a mental disorder, secrecy and shame can cost them their lives. Because the stigma of mental illness is so publicized, people who need help are to afraid to seek it in fear of being separated from normal, everyday life. An anonymous student comments, “Stigma towards mental illness only harms, it frightens people who really need help into not wanting to admit they have a problem. If stigma were to end America would be a much better place, where people can actually receive the help they need.” The idea that if this stigma ended then America would be a much healthier place is a very popular opinion. People would be getting help and stigma would be a thing of the past, and the hope is that those who need medical attention would finally get it. However, according to the Association For Psychological Science, if America was to do this, there would be many hurdles to jump over.

One hurdle that people would have to jump in order to end the stigma is that predisposition to immediately act as if a mentally ill person is different from them. Mary Agne ‘18 says, “I feel like we shouldn’t make prejudgements about mental illness because it affects everyone who has one in a different way so we need to treat that person in a humane and fair way. However, I admit that if I know that someone has a mental illness I will probably talk down to them.” Even the people with the best intentions are guilty of this. The act of talking down to someone with a mental disability is something that is systematically taught and widely accepted.

The idea that people with mental disabilities can easily be picked out of a crowd is also popular. The stereotype is that people with mental disorders are easily picked out and judged. Sarah Shaw ’17 says, “Walking down the hall, you can’t tell who is suffering from mental illnesses, and who isn’t. One of the worst parts is that it is so much harder to help your friends when you can’t see their pain. And that’s what sucks – not being able to help them.That, and that there is this stigma that because others can’t see it, it doesn’t exist. Which is stupid, because it does, and is very real.” People generally tend to think that someone with mental disabilities have some type of distinguishing characteristic. Typically you cannot tell the difference which is one of the problems some people have with stigma towards mental illness, according to The Kim Foundation.

A popular opinion throughout the community is that people who have never experienced mental illness, or have not been educated should not have a say in how America views mental illness.  Emma Davis ’18 says, “I feel one can’t judge unless they have gone through it or has it. Anyone else has no right to speak on the issue at hand.” People believe that continuing to let uneducated people make decisions that affect a mentally-ill individual’s life should end immediately in order to put an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness.

If someone has grown up with a certain type of stigma they usually develop their own opinions and they usually mirror themselves after said stigma. An anonymous student says, “The stigma of mental illness is a cycle that will keep repeating itself unless something is done to end it.” Stigma has been a part of America’s history for a long time and now people are taking notice and trying to make a change.

If you would like to help end the stigma of mental illness and help someone in need, you can donate or raise awareness by getting in contact with National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI), or a similar organisation. With proper treatment, individuals in America can continue with their lives despite suffering from mental illnesses.