Mental Health Stigma Affects Moods and Relationships

When people have wrong ideas about those who suffer from a mental health issue, moods and relationships can be affected by this mental health stigma (Misunderstandings Can Contribute to Mental Health Stigma). Moods are affected by mental health stigma because when you allow these false ideas to affect you, quite often you will have poor self-esteem, which can lead to other effects such as isolation. Isolation is one of the worst parts of mental illness and when you stay inside and shut yourself off from the world, the first thing to be affected is relationships which can then lead to or add to low moods.

Busting Stigma Myths to Help Sufferers' Moods and Relationships

Taking a stand against mental health stigma from others who have false ideas about mental illness is important (Stand Up For Mental Health Campaign). It's important not just for people who have a mental illness, but also for those who want attitudes to change so more people can get the help they need to overcome their mental illnesses. The negative effects of mental health stigma, including poor moods and problems with relationships, can be effectively lessened by a change of attitude among the public.

This change in attitude is one that everyone needs to adopt because many people hide their mental illnesses because of stigma, so no one really knows how many people suffer in silence. When people stand up for those who suffer and try and help them, things will change for the better (Supporting the Mentally Ill: Best Things to Say). This can happen either by speaking up when someone hears stigmatizing myths, like people who are mentally ill are dangerous or that those who have a mental illness and are on disability are just lazy (Maybe I’m Not Lazy: Maybe I’m Just Ill).

The attitudes can also be changed by accepting and encouraging people that you know who have a mental illness (How to Help Someone with a Mental Illness). People who have a mental illness need friendship and caring just as much as anyone, and changing stigma one person at a time is one of the best ways to start.

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