What is a Stigma?

• A stigma is unfairly applied to people who live a certain way, have certain cultural beliefs, lifestyle choices, or to people living with health conditions, such as mental illnesses.

• The pressure of mental health stigma can come from family, friends, or society. A stigma can also prevent people living with mental illness from getting help because it can stop them from asking for help due to embarrassment or other reasons. 

• The effects of stigma can include:

  • internalization of negative beliefs

  • social isolation

  • low self-esteem

  • hopelessness

  • shame

  • avoiding treatment

  • worsening symptoms

Be Brave

• You should never be  afraid to discuss how you are feeling with anyone you trust. Just like you would tell a friend about a new outfit or a scholarship offer you earned, don't be scared to find out how to live a mentally healthy life. There is never anything to ashamed of or  feel a situation is your fault.

• According to the World Health Organization, teens develop social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions. So having a safe, supportive environment at home, school, and the community are crucial to a teens mental health.

• For more information on how to live a mentally healthy life, visit the Resources tab in the Menu Bar above. 

Reverse the Stigma

• Due to the stigma or label of having "mental health issues", lots of teens find it hard to get help or put their trust in a friend or adult for of being stereotyped for their illness.

• According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly 9 out of 10 people with a mental illness feel stigma and discrimination negatively impact their lives. Even teens without an illness find it hard to be "ok" or comfortable speaking to a friend or trusted adult about not feeling mentally healthy. 

• To be a good friend to someone who may need some help try these tips:

1. Listen to their words and watch their actions. Choose your words carefully when you respond back to them. 

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2. Understand the ways you can get help at home or at school for a friend or yourself. Save resources on your phone for quick access. Education is important in removing the teen mental health stigma. One key thing is using the right terminology to people suffering from mental disorders.

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3. Do not blame yourself or your friend for what is happening . Mental health or illness is not a fault, it is something that can happen with anyone. However, knowing that there are good friends like you to help will make a person feel comfortable about getting the help needed to feel better.

Protecting your mental health

• Here are a few suggestions to maintain your mental health while using social media:

• Limit your time on social media sites Set an alarm on your phone or add a setting per site to help you manage your limit.

• Unfollow sites or people that make you feel  sad or unhappy.

• STOP! Before you post something about yourself or someone else, consider if you would make this comment in an in-person setting

  • Once a post is out there is cannot be taken back!

• Report posts that are hurtful or making you worried. This can be done anonymously on many sites such as Facebook.

• Tell an adult you trust — a parent, teacher, school counselor — immediately if a friend is posting information that worries you or suggests that they may be in a serious situation.​