World Mental Health Day 2023: Combating Stigma for a Healthier Tomorrow

World Mental Health Day, celebrated every 10th of October, stands as a beacon for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, this year resonates with a profound theme: "Mental health is a universal human right". Mental Health UK echoes this sentiment, while Mental Health Australia has adopted the theme of, “Look after your mental health, Australia!” 

However, the road to universal mental health support is a challenging one. Multiple barriers exist, ranging from accessibility issues to socio-economic disparities. One notable and persistent barrier is the stigma associated with mental health. It's a barrier that, in theory, should be among the easiest to combat, as it often merely takes initiating a conversation. 

Stigma, in its essence, can exacerbate mental health issues for many individuals. Its manifestations are threefold: 

• Public Stigma, the attitudes of others rooted in societal perceptions 
• Self-Stigma, negative attitudes about one’s own condition and internalised negative self-view 
• Institutional Stigma, systemic stigma embedded in organisational and government policy. 

Furthermore, the ripple effect of stigma extends to families and carers. It leads to a fundamental breach of human rights, impacting people's access to care, limiting their career prospects, and narrowing educational opportunities. 

In today's ever-evolving professional landscape, the workplace becomes a pivotal environment where mental health issues either find solace or face exacerbation. A positive, supportive workplace can significantly counteract societal stigmas. Conversely, a misinformed, dismissive workspace can further alienate and distress an individual facing mental health challenges. 

Implementing effective mental health training in workplaces becomes a tangible step towards creating a more inclusive environment. Such training not only addresses direct mental health concerns but also works to dismantle stigmas by promoting understanding and empathy among colleagues. 

Here's how each one of us can actively reduce mental health stigma: 

• Employ first person language; say “a person with a mental health condition”. 
• Actively challenge and correct harmful perceptions. 
• Support initiatives like World Mental Health Day. 
• Prioritise inclusion of those with lived experiences in all discussions about mental health. 
• Facilitate social contact between individuals with and without direct experience of mental health issues; it's a potent antidote to prejudice. 
• Endorse and support organisations like batyr.com.au and mind.org.uk that are on the frontline of raising awareness and battling stigma. 
• Promote workplace education on mental health to ensure everyone understands and empathises with those grappling with such conditions. 

By treating mental health with the same open-mindedness and understanding as physical health, we inch closer to a world free from the shadows of stigma. 

At Enmasse, we recognise the pivotal role workplaces play in promoting mental well-being. Our tailored training programs focus not only on fostering supportive environments but also on dismantling prevalent stigmas. We're dedicated to equipping organisations with the tools and understanding they need to create mentally healthy workplaces. On this World Mental Health Day, contact us and discover how our training can transform your organisation into a place of support and understanding. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, it's important to seek help. In the UK, you can contact Samaritans at any time on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. In Australia, organisations like Lifeline (13 11 14) or SANE (1800 18 7263) can offer help and support.

References 

Access to health services by people with mental illness. Mental health council of Australia. https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/disability\_rights/health/MHCA.doc

How do stigma and discrimination affect people with mental health problems https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/stigma-and-discrimination#:~:text=Stigma%20and%20discrimination%20can%20also,linked%20to%20mental%20ill%20health.

Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination  

The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01470-2/fulltext