The end mental health stigma campaign is being rocket-fueled by the growing list of disclosures from well-known public figures. Thank you, Mariah Carey, for your decision to share your story. Clearly, you graced the cover of People magazine with the headlines of your Bipolar Disorder. This diagnosis has not affected your distinguished career of being both a successful songwriter and singer with over 200 million record sales. Yet, the article poignantly describes your journey to wellness. The April 23, 2018 edition of People magazine powerfully addressed the role of mental health stigma and your denial in delaying treatment. Your quoted statements clearly described your struggles with acceptance. “I didn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to carry the stigma of a lifelong disease that would define me and potentially end my career.”
The Myth
It is not generally believed that a person with a mental illness can be smart, an achiever and successful with their life’s goals. Mental health stigma can present sufferers with severe limitations of self-doubt and shame. The persona associated with the highly successful author of the Harry Potter series is not viewed as mentally ill. Many are unaware that JK Rowling, the billionaire author, suffered from bouts of depressive illness. It was this struggle with depression that inspired one of the darkest aspects of the Harry Potter books—the Dementors, dark creatures who feed off human peace, hope and happiness.
Fear of Disclosure
The response to psychiatric treatment is broad. Nonetheless, powerful media images of mental illness are both violent and promote fear. Thank you, Mariah Carey for sharing your path to mental health wellness. The lack of mental health awareness and the void of positive images of successful psychiatric treatment only support the negative perceptions and mental health stigma.
End Mental Health Stigma
There is still a lot of work to be done. Family and friends may not understand that their loved one is struggling with a mental illness, especially if they consider them to be intelligent. Personal achievement can provide a “shield” that makes it harder for others to recognize and support those who struggle with their condition. This lack of awareness only leads to frustration, stress and misunderstanding between those struggling and those who truly care for them.
If you agree with this mission to end mental health stigma, start by acquiring communication tools for this important conversation.