OVERCOMING THE STIGMA
What is the Stigma Around Mental Health?
The stigma surrounding mental health refers to the societal disapproval, or societal shame or ignorance of those who are facing or seek help for mental health related issues. The silence surrounding mental health in today's society needs to be broken. We have gone too long simply ignoring those who are suffering from mental health issues. The stigma roots from society enforcing the belief that those who ask for help or face mental health issues are "weak". This belief not only brings shame from outside sources, but internally brings shame to oneself about their own conditions.
Because of this stigma, many are afraid to voice their emotions or need for help. They would rather bottle in their emotions out of fear of societal disapproval. The fear of disapproval can be from parents, bosses, coaches, or friends. Regardless of who you fear will deem you as "weak", the silence must be broken in order to normalize and encourage support of those struggling with mental health.
Ways to Help End the Stigma
Not only can student athletes help end the stigma, but anyone struggling with mental health can do their part to end the stigma. We can take steps in our day to day lives to simply talk and have conversation about mental health more so those who stigmatize it understand mental health better.
Steps to Take
Educate yourself about the basics of mental health
See the person, not the illness. Listen to what others have to say
Explain that different people may experience mental health through different symptoms
Be aware of the language you use when speaking of mental health disorders
Share experiences and stories about overcoming mental health disorders
Reiterate that it is okay to not feel okay
Organizations Who Work to End the Stigma
The StepUP! Program is a prosocial behavior and bystander intervention program that educates participants to be proactive in helping others.
The goal of StepUP! is:
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To raise awareness of domestic violence
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Increase motivation to help
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Learn strategies and develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns
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Ensure the safety and well-being of self and others
The OneLove Foundation is a national non-profit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. After the death of UVA Lacrosse student-athlete from relationship abuse, Yeardley Love, her family created the OneLove Foundation to bring awareness to the dangers of domestic violence.
The goal of OneLove is :
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Empower young people with the tools and resources to understand signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships
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Bring live saving prevention education to their communities.
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Ways to love better and practice healthy love
Morgan's Message is an organization that aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in student athletes. Morgan Rodgers played lacrosse at Duke University before taking her own life after a career ending knee injury.
The goal of Morgan's Message :
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Equalize treatment of physical and mental health in athletics
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Expand the dialogue on mental health through normal conversations.
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Empower those who suffer in silence
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Support those who feel alone
