Posted on May 4, 2023

As a therapist at Be Still & Know Counseling Services in San Antonio, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the stigma and shame associated with seeking mental health treatment. Despite the growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, stigma and shame can still hinder people from getting the help they need. In this blog post, I will share some strategies for navigating stigma and shame when seeking mental health treatment.

Stigma and Shame: What Are They?

Stigma and shame can have detrimental effects on mental health, making it difficult for individuals to seek the help they need. Stigma can lead to discrimination and prejudice, causing those with mental health conditions to feel isolated and unsupported. This can further exacerbate their condition, leading to worsening symptoms and a decreased quality of life.

Moreover, shame can make individuals feel like they are flawed or defective, creating feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. This can prevent them from seeking help or opening up to others about their struggles, leading to further isolation and disconnection.

It's important to understand that stigma and shame can come from external sources, such as societal attitudes and cultural beliefs. These external factors can influence our internalized beliefs about ourselves and our mental health conditions. However, it's also important to recognize that we can hold stigmatizing beliefs about ourselves, which can be just as harmful.

By acknowledging the existence of stigma and shame, we can begin to break down these barriers and promote a culture of acceptance and support for those with mental health conditions. Education and awareness are key to reducing stigma and promoting a better understanding of mental health issues.

In addition, seeking professional help from a therapist can provide a safe space to explore and work through feelings of stigma and shame. Therapists can help individuals build self-compassion and self-esteem and provide coping strategies to navigate stigma and shame.

Why Stigma and Shame Exist

Another reason why stigma and shame persist when it comes to mental health is the fear of being labeled or judged. Some individuals may worry that seeking help for their mental health issues could result in negative consequences, such as losing their job or damaging their reputation. This fear can lead to a reluctance to seek help and prevent individuals from receiving the support they need.

Moreover, the lack of access to mental health services can also contribute to the stigma and shame surrounding mental health. Many individuals may not have access to affordable or accessible mental health care, particularly in underserved communities. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, further reinforcing the stigma and shame associated with mental health issues.

In addition, the language we use to talk about mental health can also contribute to stigma and shame. Stigmatizing language, such as using derogatory terms to describe individuals with mental health conditions, can perpetuate negative attitudes and beliefs. On the other hand, using respectful and inclusive language can help reduce stigma and promote acceptance and understanding.

It's important to address the underlying causes of stigma and shame in order to promote a culture of acceptance and support for those with mental health conditions. This includes increasing access to affordable and accessible mental health care, promoting education and awareness, and advocating for the use of inclusive language.

Navigating Stigma and Shame

The first step in navigating stigma and shame is to acknowledge that they exist. It's important to recognize that seeking help for mental health is a courageous step, and it does not make you weak or deficient in any way. Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.

It's also important to find a safe and supportive environment when seeking treatment. This may include finding a mental health provider who is understanding and non-judgmental. It's okay to ask questions and interview potential providers to ensure they are a good fit for you.

Another helpful strategy is to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. Support groups and online communities can provide a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or shame.

Finally, it's essential to practice self-compassion and self-care. It's easy to be hard on ourselves, especially when it comes to mental health. However, treating ourselves with kindness and understanding can go a long way toward reducing shame and stigma.

Seeking Help at Be Still & Know Counseling Services

At Be Still & Know Counseling Services, our team of licensed therapists has years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying mental health concerns. We provide a wide range of therapeutic services to meet the unique needs of each client.

Anxiety therapy is one of the services we offer, aimed at helping clients who struggle with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Depression therapy is another service we provide, aimed at helping clients who are struggling with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in life. Our therapists use a range of techniques, such as interpersonal therapy (IPT), behavioral activation, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help clients overcome depression and regain their sense of well-being.

Behavioral issues can also impact mental health, and we offer counseling services to help individuals struggling with behavior problems such as anger management, addiction, and impulse control disorders. Our therapists work with clients to develop coping strategies and behavior modification techniques to help them overcome these challenges and improve their relationships and overall well-being.

Christian counseling is another specialty service we offer, aimed at helping clients integrate their faith into their therapeutic journey. Our therapists provide a faith-based approach to counseling, incorporating prayer, scripture, and biblical principles to help clients achieve their mental health goals.

Finally, we offer Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at helping clients change their negative and irrational thought patterns. Our therapists work with clients to identify and challenge their irrational beliefs and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping.

At Be Still & Know Counseling Services, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care. We provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or shame. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, we invite you to reach out to us at (210) 802-1695 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help you navigate stigma and shame and provide the support you need to achieve your mental health goals.