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The Role of Mental Health Counseling to Overcoming the Stigma

Alex Goreham

Group of Women Empowering Each Other

Mental health counseling involves licensed and trained counselors who help individuals manage emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. This broad field covers a wide range of services aiming to improve mental health and well-being.


Unfortunately, despite its benefits, mental health counseling faces significant stigma, deterring many from seeking the help they need and deserve. How do we make overcoming the stigma of mental health counseling possible, and why should we work toward it?


The Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health Counseling


The first step to overcoming the stigma of mental health counseling is understanding the stigmas surrounding it. Stigma is a negative belief or stereotype that often leads to discrimination and exclusion of individuals.


“You Are Crazy”


There’s a stigma that individuals seeking mental health counseling are “crazy,” stemming from cultural narratives that unfairly associate mental health issues with instability.


“You Are Weak”


Another prevalent misconception is the belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This belief suggests that individuals should be able to handle their mental health challenges on their own.


“You Are Too Needy”


The idea that seeking mental health counseling makes an individual “needy” conveys that “needing” is a weakness that one shouldn’t admit to. When a person “needs” more than others, they may be seen as a burden or too much to handle.


“You Are Selfish”


The perception that mental health counseling makes a person “selfish” means prioritizing one’s mental health detracts from their ability to care for others.


“It’s Ineffective”


“It’s all in the head,” they say, promoting the belief that mental health issues aren’t real or can be overcome without professional intervention. Since mental health conditions aren’t conditions you can see, some believe that counseling doesn’t really provide tangible results.


The Negative Consequences of Untreated Mental Health Conditions


Not overcoming the stigma of mental health counseling can result in dire consequences for society, including the following:


  • Increased Risk of Chronic Illness: Mental stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to harmful behaviors, such as poor diet choices and lack of exercise.

  • Decline in Occupational Performance: Individuals facing untreated mental health challenges often experience decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, and increased absenteeism.

  • Strained Relationships: Changes in behavior, mood swings, and withdrawal from social interactions can lead to conflict, isolation, and the breakdown of friendships and familial bonds.

  • Elevated Risk of Substance Abuse: People with untreated mental health conditions may turn to alcohol or drugs to “manage” their emotional pain.

  • Increased Likelihood of Self-Harm or Suicide: Without appropriate support and intervention, feelings of hopelessness and despair can overwhelm an individual.


The Benefits of Mental Health Counseling


When people look beyond the stigma of mental health counseling, they can see that it offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking help. Some of these include:


  • Improved Self-Awareness and Insight: Counseling provides individuals a safe and structured environment to explore their thoughts and feelings.

  • Development of Coping Strategies: Through counseling, individuals can learn techniques to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression.

  • Enhanced Communication Skills: People can improve their ability to express emotions and communicate effectively, positively impacting personal and professional relationships.

  • Increased Emotional Resilience: Counseling sessions often focus on building resilience, enabling individuals to handle setbacks and adversity more effectively.

  • Support for Personal Growth and Development: Mental health counseling encourages individuals to set and achieve personal goals, enhance self-esteem, and foster a sense of empowerment.


Many have already experienced the positive effects of overcoming the stigma of mental health counseling, including Alan, who abused drugs and alcohol from his teenage years to his mid-30s, Cathy, who had been married to her high school sweetheart for 14 years and eventually became co-dependent, and Ann, who was always nervous and anxious in her late 20s.


Through mental health counseling, these individuals were able to understand the root causes of their struggles and learned how to cope with them healthily. Now, each person has improved relationships with themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them.


Our Lines Are Open. Let’s Talk.


This article is just a glimpse into how overcoming the stigma of mental health counseling can change lives for the better. It’s time to break the silence and talk about mental health in our communities! Let’s normalize the idea of seeking professional help when needed and give everyone a chance for happiness and wellness.


At Life Redefined, our lines are open, and we are here to listen. Start a conversation today!

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