Defining Stigma

Per the oxford dictionary: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

How Stigma Works

There is a social stigma attached to circumstances and identities that many individuals share. The stigma attached to these circumstances or identities lead the individuals in those circumstances to be viewed negatively because of this an aspect of their identity. However, some individuals face even more stigma because of their intersecting identities. Which you can read more about here.

The stigma around mental illness and other stigmatized situations (such as being unhoused) hurts those on the receiving end of the stigma. Research has shown that those who are members of stigmatized communities, such as having a mental illness, are less likely to seek treatment until the pain of the condition is unbearable because of the negativity that surrounds the reach for help, or the possibility of a diagnosis. For example, as a result of sex-specific, socially enforced, emotional expectations, men are less likely to see a therapist for feelings of depression because of the stigma that surrounds men showing sadness.

While it is easy to say, “who cares what people think”, we all know how this phrase does not play out in real life. In addition to financial and transportation barriers (just to name a few) people also face social barriers that bar people from getting the help they really need. They may fear ridicule, or fear “looking” a certain way (such as weak) to their family and friends. This is exactly what stigma does to those who are on the receiving end of it. And at times, it costs lives.

Who and How:

While there are many ways that stigma is perpetuated, in recent years the media bears a great deal of responsibility. This includes news sources, films, tv shows and social media. This is certainly not an exhaustive list.

These sources often draw negative attention to aspects of situations, incidents, and individuals in a way that is sensational, but may also harmful.

The Media’s Message

We all receive social messages and become informed by society and systems on what is good, what is bad, what is wrong vs right etc. The media is one of the most influential systems in a world filled with technology in so many formats. As a result, the media greatly impacts the way we view things around us, including illnesses.

Example 1.0

One example of how stigma is perpetuated by the media is through the disproportionate negative depictions of individuals with a mental illness. Such as when aggressors in TV shows and films are characters who are portrayed as having a mental illness or if their character mimics symptoms of a mental illness.

How exactly does this perpetuate stigma?

This association of an ill-intentioned, dangerous, or just “bad” person being associated with mental illness subconsciously reinforces the belief that mentally ill individuals have bad intentions, are dangerous, or are just “bad” people. At a minimum, it associates those with a mental illness with a negative interaction/social “image”, something that should never be the case.

Example 2.0

Sometimes news sources are on the scene quickly and only have pieces of information. They will repeat what they have been told and often times this highlights aspects of situations that are not actually relevant to the entirety of the situation/crime/incident etc.

The news media will often find out details of an incident from locals or witnesses before the official details have been released. While this is not a bad thing, this can at times lead to inaccurate information (or information taken out of context) being spread quickly across platforms.

If a mentally ill man is accused of a crime, it is common to hear the individual referred to as “mentally ill homeless man …” rather than “John Doe …” if the individual’s name has not been released. What if the individual’s mental illness and housing situation had nothing to do with what they were involved with? What if they were actually the victim? Why must they be reduced to a medical condition and the nature of their housing situation?

How this cycle continues

If we ever learn the entirety of details of the situation, it is usually after the term “mentally ill homeless man” has been emblazoned on the news site, your tv screen and their twitter feed. When his name is revealed it then becomes “John Doe, the mentally ill homeless man, who …” before it has even been formally stated if the individual’s mental illness or circumstance of homelessness had anything to do with the situation.

A Delicate Balance

While it is important we have free media in this country, as consumers it is important for us to question the media at times regarding sensationalizing terms and details. They may be reporting truthfully, but it is healthy to ask “How do they know his mental illness has anything to do with this situation?” “Where did they learn he is mentally ill?” “Is that individual with that information a reliable source for that piece of information?”

Lastly, consider how often we actually hear follow up stories of local situations? Infrequently. How often do we actually find out if the “mentally ill homeless man” was even involved?

Say something!

As the well-known phrases goes: “If you see something, say something.” When you see something that is perpetuating stigma, call out the action or phrase, but don’t attack the individual personally.

Whether it is on a social media platform or in person, you have the power to set the record straight. This does not have to be in the form of an argument or of a hateful remark, in fact these are less likely to be effective at causing positive change. Instead, try using the “calling in” method versus calling out. If you are not familiar with that method, you can read about it here. Overall, the purpose of this method is to call out a behavior/language but ‘call in’ the person to engage in a respectful conversation regarding the verbiage that offended you or you believe to be false etc.

Some phrases that follow the idea of calling in are:

-How did you come to this conclusion?

-Could you explain why you believe there is a connection between ___ and ___?

-Do you believe this ___ (statement etc) to be true?

-How do you think __(verbiage/statement etc) this impacts the community?

-Why do you believe this is a good direction to be moving in?

This gives the individual an opportunity to question if perhaps they have been misinformed or offers them an opportunity to share new piece of information that perhaps you were unfamiliar with. Either way, there is no personal attack, and it provides a space in which you may be able to facilitate a healthy conversation where positive change can come about.