newlifeoutlook
Coping

Overcoming the Stigma Around Depression and Seeking Help

Oct 4, 2017
  • Emotional Validation
Person sitting alone on stair steps with crowd circled around them

The Stigma Around Depression and Seeking Help

A barrier to depression recovery is society’s predisposition and attitudes toward mood disorders. The stigma around depression is the reason why so many suffer in silence and do not seek out help.

Understanding the Stigma Associated with Depression

Social stigmas are labels we use to identify groups based on their behavioral traits, especially if those traits differ from cultural norms. Much like the mark of Cain, depression appears to have its stigma.

People with depression find themselves experiencing stigma in some cases at high levels. The stigma associated with depression is complicated but is related to specific factors including:

  • The condition itself
  • Age and gender of the person
  • Culture
  • Beliefs held about depression

People with depression often report the stigma associated with depression is far worse than the condition. Stigma appears to come from a variety of sources, including family and friends, society, government and even one’s personal beliefs about depression.

Evidence the Stigma Exists

Numerous research studies find many people have stereotypes towards people who suffer from depression. These views exist because from childhood; many are us told feeling this way is “not okay,” or “crazy,” or “abnormal.”

One research study reported in Depression Research and Treatment found up to 58% of the study participants with mood disorders had significant stigma experiences.

Mood disorders fall under a group of diagnoses where a person’s mood is believed to be the main characteristic. Depression is one of the most common and researched mood disorders.

Another study reported in the Journal of Community Psychology aimed to determine whether race played a part in the stigma based on both public and personal attitudes about depression and treatment.

What they found was that race played little part in attitudes about depression, both public and personal views about depression, and depression treatment played a much bigger role.

Why Does the Stigma Exist?

Despite its prevalence in modern society depression is still a taboo topic.

Which is shocking, considering that in 2015, 16.1 million American adults were diagnosed with major depressive disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression, is characterized by depressed mood and/or loss of interest, causing a significant impact on daily life.

The stigma around depression exists for many reasons, but most notably because of ignorance and misinformation and inflexible attitudes, stereotypes, and prejudices.

You May Also Like:A Step-by-Step Guide to Working Towards Depression Recovery
Related Search Topics (Ads):
  • Depression Treatment
  • Depression Counselling
  • Clinics For Depression
  • Antidepressant Side Effects

Ignorance and Misinformation

People tend to be ignorant about what they don’t know, especially if they have never been depressed. While they are lucky, it is not an excuse to judge others who suffer from depression.

Others who stigmatize depression haven’t taken the time to educate themselves about it.

Taking the time to understand what causes depression, how it manifests and how is treated will allow someone who has never experienced depression to recognize the warning signs, help a loved one who is suffering, and to offer empathy towards those living with depression.

  • 1
  • 2
Next

Next page: Learn more about the attitudes and prejudices towards depressions, the specific types of stigma, and how to help yourself overcome the stigma around depression.

Lana Barhum
Lana Barhum is a freelance medical and health writer from Northeast Ohio. She has written for a variety of online health publications, including the Pain News Network, Alliance Health, Upwell, Mango Health, and The Mighty. Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 2008, Lana uses her experiences to share expert advice on various chronic illness and medical topics. See all of Lana's articles
More Articles by Lana
Resources
  • Depression Research and Treatment (Stigma and Discrimination in People Suffering with a Mood Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study)
  • National Institutes of Health (Depression stigma, race, and treatment seeking behavior and attitudes)
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America (Depression)
  • National Institutes of Health (Stigma about depression and its impact on help-seeking intentions)
  • Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (Depression in the U.S. Household Population, 2009-2012)
Print This

We all have a voice,what's your story?

We learn from each other. Share your story to let others with know they’re not alone.

Share Your Story

DepressionNewsletter Sign-up

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community!

Subscribe Now

Join our private Facebook Group

to ask questions, get answers, and find support from fellow Warriors!

Join the Discussion
Print This
ConnectWithUs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook™ All rights reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook | Depression