Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Counseling & Therapy
Historically, mental health has always been viewed as a somewhat taboo topic, and in the past, many stigmas surrounded the treatment of chronic mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and more advanced illnesses. Unfortunately, this stigma surrounding treatment exists even nowadays although to a lesser extent, but the negative perceptions surrounding therapy, counseling, and other treatment is still very present.
That’s why the Gilbert counseling team from Lighthouse Psychiatry wanted to share some more insight about the topic with you here are how to break the cycle of negativity regarding mental health treatment!
4 Ways to Fight the Mental Health Stigma
1. Be Comfortable During Your Sessions
If you’re undergoing therapy for the first time or it’s been a while, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive but it’s important to do away with feelings of guilt or regret. These are what lead to and can perpetuate negative stigmas. Try and feel as comfortable as possible during sessions and if friends and family ask you about them, be as open and honest about your experience and describe how much therapy/counseling is helping you.
2. Empower Yourself
Many struggle with feelings of shame or guilt when beginning their mental health treatment, However, empowering yourself by speaking positively of your experience and encouraging others who need help to seek treatment can create a forceful change for the better. Share what you’re learning and how therapy and counseling are helping you accomplish your goals for a better life.
3. Ignore the Stigma
Running into negative perceptions about mental health treatment is almost inevitable these days, but you can choose to ignore the stigma. You don’t have to actively confront such negativity but being able to see it for what it is, as a misperception, and ignore the hype is a good way to not perpetuate negativity regarding counseling and therapy.
4. Advocate for Mental Health Treatment
Some may find that taking a more active role in fighting against negativity and misconceptions helps them on their mental health journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re simply with a group of friends, at a dinner party, or with a larger group, speak up about the positive effects of mental health treatment if you feel comfortable and want to defend or add your viewpoint when such opportunities arise. Educating others is one of the most important ways everyone can help eliminate such stigmas and outdated thinking and open more people’s minds that truly need the help that’s right in front of them.
Contact us for counseling in Gilbert and more!
Lighthouse Psychiatry specializes in a variety of advanced psychiatry and counseling, such as individual and group therapy, telehealth, and much more. We’re committed to providing personalized therapy designed to meet your needs such as counseling for couples, family therapy, and much more.
Contact us online today or call (480) 565-6440 to schedule your first session!