Mood disorders are more common than many people think. Even those with mood disorders tend to think they’re more alone than they are. But in the United States alone, one in five adults (59.2 million people in 2020) lives with a mood disorder.
How can we account for such a high rate of mood disorder with so many people underestimating its impact? Mental illness can be alienating. Many people hold misconceptions about mental health. Often, mood disorders are considered a sign of weakness or wrongdoing.
While this isn’t true, the myths can keep those suffering from mood disorders or even those who are curious from speaking about issues like depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal ideation. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the stigma associated with mood disorders, and we’ll discuss why we must break the taboo nature of these conditions.
The Stigma of Mood Disorders
There are a number of different ways that people can experience mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. However, no matter what form mental illness takes, it can be a challenge to live with.
Mood disorders can affect everything from your thoughts and emotions to your physical health, and they can make it challenging to do things that most people take for granted, such as going to work or spending time with friends and family.
Even though mood disorders are so common, there is still an alarming amount of prejudice. This stigma can come from friends, family members, co-workers, and even strangers.
People with mood disorders often feel like they are alone in their struggles, and they can sometimes feel like they are the only ones who understand what it’s like to deal with these conditions.
This can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and embarrassment, making it difficult to seek help.
The Consequences of Mood Disorder Stigma
When you add up all of the different ways that stigma can affect people with mood disorders, it’s clear that it can be quite harmful.
Stigma can keep people from seeking treatment, and it can also make it difficult for them to stick with their treatment plan. In some cases, the burden may even lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide.
In addition to the adverse effects of this stigma on people with mood disorders, it can also hurt their families and friends. When someone close to you is dealing with mental illness, it can be difficult to know what to do or how to help.
Family and friends often feel like they are walking on eggshells around the person with the disorder, and they often don’t know how to talk about it. This can lead to a considerable amount of tension and conflict within the family, and it can also make it difficult for the person with the disorder to get the support they need.
How To Break the Stigma of Mental Illness
We have established that mood disorders often breed avoidance, prejudice, and confusion, and we’ve also talked about the negative effects of this stigma on people dealing with these conditions.
But what can be done to break the taboo nature of mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with mood disorders?
Well, no one answer will work for everyone, but there are a few steps we can take in the right direction to help:
1. Talk About Mental Illness Openly and Honestly
One of the best ways to break the stigma of mental illness is to talk openly and honestly about it. This means that we need to start having conversations about mental health in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
It’s also important that we talk about mental illness in a respectful and understanding way. We should avoid using judgmental or derogatory language, and we should make sure that we listen to the stories of people suffering from various mental illnesses.
2. Educate Yourself and Others About Mood Disorders
Another way to break the stigma of mental illness is to educate yourself and others about mood disorders. This includes learning about the different types of mood disorders, the symptoms, and the treatments.
It’s also important to remember that mood disorders are real illnesses, and they should be treated with the same level of respect as any other medical condition.
3. Stand Up Against Discrimination and Prejudice
Finally, we can break the stigma of mental illness by standing up against discrimination and prejudice. This means challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes whenever we see or hear them.
It also means being an ally to people dealing with a mental illness, and it means providing support and understanding when they need it the most.
Albany KetamineInfusions: Breaking The Stigma of Mental Illness
At Albany Ketamine Infusions, we are committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness. But we want to do more than just talk. We offer highly effective services that can help people dealing with mood disorders, and we are passionate about helping those who are suffering in silence.
Just know that you are never alone! Contact us to learn more.
