Thanks for the excellent article, Ben. Related to your points: I think part of the challenge is that "stigma" has so many different dimensions, as Corrigan and others have shown in their research. So when we talk about stigma, or efforts to address stigma, we are talking about a lot of different things. For example, for the current generation of young people, there appears to be less overtly negative attitudes about mental illnesses and use of mental health treatment, as compared to past generations. Instead, the main issue preventing help-seeking might have more to do with the normalcy that you discuss in your post. If so many other people are experiencing depression and anxiety, is it really something that I need to seek help for? The casual and comfortable way in which mental health concerns are now discussed by young people is a sign of progress but perhaps also a source of confusion.
Love this! When I was meeting with nonprofts a few years ago I noticed what felt like an overemphasis on stigma-reduction in the way you’re describing here, which felt at odds with how Gen Z was using TikTok, for example. You are highlighting the need for a clearer intention for this kind of work—which could actually be measured as well (e.g “genuine connections made” or “two way communication” as opposed to just pumping out more one-way educational content.)
While I love me some educational content, we sometimes just need to see it for what it is. And agree, too many times I've seen people who have put too much weight on stigma reduction programs that are beautiful, but may not achieve the outcomes that really move the needle on stigma. Thanks for the comment!
Absolutely agree that relationships and connections are ultimately what bring about change. Proximity to an issue reduces fear and relationships create proximity.
Thanks for the excellent article, Ben. Related to your points: I think part of the challenge is that "stigma" has so many different dimensions, as Corrigan and others have shown in their research. So when we talk about stigma, or efforts to address stigma, we are talking about a lot of different things. For example, for the current generation of young people, there appears to be less overtly negative attitudes about mental illnesses and use of mental health treatment, as compared to past generations. Instead, the main issue preventing help-seeking might have more to do with the normalcy that you discuss in your post. If so many other people are experiencing depression and anxiety, is it really something that I need to seek help for? The casual and comfortable way in which mental health concerns are now discussed by young people is a sign of progress but perhaps also a source of confusion.
Love this! When I was meeting with nonprofts a few years ago I noticed what felt like an overemphasis on stigma-reduction in the way you’re describing here, which felt at odds with how Gen Z was using TikTok, for example. You are highlighting the need for a clearer intention for this kind of work—which could actually be measured as well (e.g “genuine connections made” or “two way communication” as opposed to just pumping out more one-way educational content.)
While I love me some educational content, we sometimes just need to see it for what it is. And agree, too many times I've seen people who have put too much weight on stigma reduction programs that are beautiful, but may not achieve the outcomes that really move the needle on stigma. Thanks for the comment!
It is often said (by me) that the psychiatrist experiences the stigma of mental illness alongside the patient.
Mental health stigma is inverse to treatment effectiveness.
Absolutely agree that relationships and connections are ultimately what bring about change. Proximity to an issue reduces fear and relationships create proximity.