September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month. As we raise awareness about suicide, we should also address the stigmas surrounding it. Unfortunately, the consequences of stigmas, such social isolation, stress and feelings of shame, can stop someone from seeking help when they need it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness may increase the risk of suicide.
Marie Sawyer, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker with Endeavor Health Behavioral Health Services in Plainfield, addresses mental health stigmas and how families can protect their loved ones from suicide:
Q: What type of mental health stigmas have you encountered?
A: Stigmas related to mental health show up in various ways.
- On a widescale level, society and public attitudes often stigmatize mental health concerns through messaging in media and our culture.
- Unfortunately, there is also institutional stigma, which stems from the organizational level, such as through policies or laws that are harmful to those struggling with mental illness and limit people's opportunities to seek appropriate support and safety.
- Many people experience internalized stigma, meaning a person placing judgment on themselves because of their mental illness experience.
Q: Why are mental health stigmas harmful?
A: Mental health stigmas limit people's awareness of their own symptoms and mental health needs, and even limit knowledge of available treatment and support. A person is much less likely to access care, or even reach out to those around them for support, if they experience stigma surrounding mental health, often due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or feeling invalidated or misunderstood.
Internalized stigma can be pervasive; someone might not pursue a certain job or career, relationship, opportunity, or experience because they believe they aren't capable or worthy due to their mental health challenges.
Q: How do mental health stigmas affect individuals at risk for suicide?
A: Our society places heavy value on individualism, which could at times perpetuate stigmas toward mental health by blaming the individual for their mental health challenges, rather than recognize the importance of having a social support system to manage symptoms and crisis.
Q: What actions can we take to get rid of mental health stigmas?
A: Some actions may include:
- Practice being proactive instead of reactive when it comes to mental health. We have all heard similar phrases to "I wish I had done something", or "I wish I had known" after a crisis. It's important to be mindful of what stigmas or judgments we place on people who may be struggling with their mental health, and instead approach peoples' adversity and differences with curiosity and offering support without judgment.
- Talking about and sharing all emotions is a major part of the human experience, and demonstrating vulnerability to others by expressing various emotions helps other people feel more comfortable and normalizes the conversation.
- Volunteering or participating in mental health organizations and events can help dispel common stigmas about mental illness and help people recognize connections and similarities with other people rather than noticing and focusing on differences.
Q: What can families do to protect their loved ones from suicide?
A: Mental illness and suicidal behavior can thrive in isolation.
- Family members can provide a safe and supportive environment by communicating with their loved one with validation and empathy, and openness for all emotions.
- Offering practical support, through helping with daily tasks and managing stressful situations together, can help prevent someone from feeling isolated or that they have to handle stress on their own.
- Families can also involve themselves in mental health organizations for support and education, such as NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness), which has local chapters that offer group support, trainings, education and resources for families.
Endeavor Health is committed to taking steps to prevent suicide and raise awareness for mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, 24/7 help is available:
- Call 911
- Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
- Call (630) 305-5027 (Linden Oaks 24/7 Help Line)
- Call (800) 273-TALK (8255) (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- Text TALK to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
Non-emergency resources
- Complete an online Behavioral Health Inquiry Form
- Take an online health risk assessment for anxiety and/or depression
- Linden Oaks Hospital: (630) 305-5027 or learn more
- Northwest Community Hospital: (847) HEALING or (847) 432-5464
- Mental Health Counseling Line: (847) 425-6400
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to help someone in crisis: Learn more
General resources
