While it is most common in young adults, an average of 9 percent of Americans (age 12 or older) experience major depressive episodes. This same study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in 2022 showed that despite the increase of depression in adolescents and young adults, the prevalence of seeking help remained low. 

That leads us to our next question – why are individuals with depression refusing to talk about their struggles with a healthcare professional? The answer may have something to do with social stigma. 

Due to misunderstandings and lack of proper education, social stigma produces feelings of worthlessness, despair, guilt, shame and an almost endless list of other negative emotions that prevent those suffering from depression from seeking the help they need.

Here’s everything you need to know about the social stigma of depression, and how to overcome these barriers for seeking help.

Social Stigma on Depression

Social stigma is the negative association between an individual or group who share certain characteristics. In the context of mental health, a stigma is when a person views you in a negative way due to your mental illness. Social stigmas are notorious for creating self doubt, shame, and isolation from others. 

Three types of social stigma on depression and anxiety include: 

• Self-stigma – self-stigma refers to how an individual with a mental health condition views themself, including feelings of personal shame or deprivation of positive things. Self-stigma may prevent individuals from seeking treatment to avoid being labeled as depressed, and being judged by others.
• Public Stigma – public stigma refers to how other people view individuals with a mental health illness. The public stigma is often negative, and may lead to stigma by association, in which the public assumes peers that are close to a person struggling with mental health are also having the same “issues.”
• Institutional Stigma – institutional stigma is a systemic issue (for example: companies, organization, and governments) that may lead to lower funding for mental health studies and services. 

It’s the majority of society who sets the expectation about how people should act. Anyone who doesn’t fit into predetermined roles are subject to discrimination or disapproval, and that includes those who are struggling with a mental illness. 

Overcoming the Stigma of Depression

Especially prevalent in diverse racial and ethnic communities, social stigma is a major barrier that prevents people from accessing mental health services. As previously stated, social stigma on depression and mental illness most often stem from misunderstanding or lack of education, resulting in harmful effects. 

If you’re dealing with depression, or any mental illness for that matter, here are some proactive steps for overcoming the stigma: 

• Research personal stories of individuals who struggle with you
• Work on self-compassion
• Use your voice to call out negative stereotypes
• Avoid judgment by reaching out to a professional for help

To reduce the stigma, there are several ways society can be better. That includes thorough education both individually and through public and private schooling. As a society, we can also eliminate misunderstandings about mental health and increase funding through advocacy. 

Most importantly – even if you yourself aren’t struggling, remember to show compassion to others who may be living with a mental illness. 

Seek Help With a Nashville Psychologist for Depression

In the end, everyone is different. Whether it’s self-doubt, a family’s disappointment, or even your own fears, the barriers presented by social stigmas are real. But gaining a better understanding of these issues will help you to see them in a new light. 

Rather than wishing the stigma away, we have to change from within. Many find that connecting with someone who has also gone through depression helps remove the stigma of getting help. What you do during this moment in time will determine how successful your healing process will be, so take full advantage of everything that a counselor can teach you.

It’s time to make an appointment with the nearest professional you can trust. If you’re in Nashville, consider contacting Dr. Phil Chanin, a licensed psychologist for depression.