What's one common mental health stigma you'd like to see addressed on World Mental Health Day? How can we work together to overcome this stigma?

One common mental health stigma I'd like to see addressed, particularly on World Mental Health Day, is the idea that Black men cannot or should not seek help for their mental health struggles. There is often a cultural expectation for Black men to "tough it out" or remain stoic in the face of emotional and psychological challenges, which can make it difficult for them to feel safe or supported in reaching out for help. This stigma not only suppresses vulnerability but also reinforces harmful stereotypes that contribute to untreated mental health issues in our community. To overcome this stigma, we need to collectively normalize conversations around mental health in Black spaces-whether in families, friendships, or community groups. It starts by creating safe environments where Black men can express their emotions without fear of judgment or shame. We can also amplify the voices of Black men who share their mental health journeys and use platforms to showcase examples of strength in seeking therapy, counseling, or other forms of emotional support. Moreover, we must work on making mental health services more accessible and culturally competent. Partnering with organizations, schools, and churches to provide outreach, education, and resources tailored to Black men can break down barriers to seeking help. Ultimately, healing is a community effort, and by continuing to open up these dialogues, we can shift perspectives and show that mental health care is not only for survival but for thriving.

My wish on World Mental Health Day is for the stigma around suicidal ideation to change and evolve. Trauma has wide-reaching and long-lasting impacts when left untreated, one of which can be suicidal ideation, and it's important to remember that these symptoms are not the fault of the traumatized individual. As a society, we've inherited a deep fear of suicide and suicidal ideation, which has led to a culture of ignorance and shaming around this mental health condition. I want to be clear I am not suggesting that suicide is ever a viable option, but want to propose that there's a compassionate and more nuanced way of understanding those who struggle with suicidal ideation. I also want to clarify that suicidal ideation, which refers to passively thinking about or planning suicide, is different from having a firm resolve to carry out the act, and that it's possible for those who struggle with ideation to never reach a point of making a solid plan. Often the suicidal "part" of the one struggling is, paradoxically, an aspect of themselves that wants to protect and and ultimately feel better. Believe it or not, it's a resilient part that's seeking equilibrium in a situation that's otherwise too overwhelming and painful. It's a part of them that needs more understanding and compassion, not less. Responding to someone experiencing suicidal ideation with fear and judgment can worsen the situation; fear may prevent us from asking open and honest questions, and judgment may lead the person to be more secretive. Like anything, systemic change has to start on a smaller scale. To participate in a society that doesn't stigmatize those who struggle with suicidal ideation, begin by noticing how you respond in your body and mind to hearing about or knowing someone who struggles with suicidal ideation. Do you want to ignore and numb out? Do you want to fix or judge them? What does this kind of discomfort feel like in your body? Try to practice curiosity with an open mind. Stay present in your body, take a breath, and allow your body to move (yawn, stretch, or fidget) as needed. Ask open-ended questions and practice non-judgment as you learn about their experience. If you or someone you know has expressed a plan and intention to hurt themselves, call 911 or your local suicide hotline. Those who struggle with suicidal ideation may benefit from having the support of a trauma therapist.

As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, I have such a passion for advocating for our mamas struggling with perinatal mental health distress. What is perinatal mental health you might ask? Well, it is any mental health distress (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, panic, obsessive compulsive) that shows up during pregnancy or up to one year (12 months) postpartum. Now you may have heard of postpartum depression. That's the term most people use, and we see talked about more frequently. But the problem with this term is that it only talks about a portion of the time period (after baby is born, not during pregnancy) and only one type of mental health distress (depression, not anxiety, panic, etc.). It eliminates a large portion of what these moms might be experiencing and feel like there must be something else wrong with them. I would love to decrease the stigma around perinatal mental health, and also change the narrative of what perinatal mental health is and what it looks like. It is NOT just postpartum depression. It is NOT the momma's fault. And with the proper support, care, and treatment, she CAN be well. To overcome the stigma, we have to have proper education. But more than that, we have to talk about the hard stuff. Because the more we have the conversation, the easier it gets to talk about. And the easier it gets to talk about, the more we have the conversation. Check out a blog post I wrote about The Unspoken Truths About Postpartum Depression that hopefully sheds some light on the proper education and starts the conversation we so desperately need to be having for the sake of all moms out there and for the sake of our next generation who need and deserve their mamas to be well - https://www.amptherapycenter.com/post/the-unspoken-truth-about-postpartum-depression

As someone who has dedicated my life to ending the stigma around mental health, one myth I'd like to see addressed is that faith prohibits help-seeking. Many feel that relying on medication or therapy shows a lack of trust in God. This belief prevents countless individuals from receiving the treatment they desperately need. Through my work with Stay Here, I've seen how this stigma impacts youth and families in faith communities. The most heartbreaking stories are from those who felt seeking professional help meant they lacked faith. We must work to provide education on mental health as a medical issue and share stories of those who've found hope through a combination of faith and professional support. Having struggled with depression myself, I understand how lonely and isolating mental illness can feel, especially when compounded by stigma. No one should suffer in silence or feel unworthy of help due to discrimination. We all must advocate for mental health, spread compassion, and create understanding so that anyone in need feels empowered to reach out. There is always hope and healing, especially when we come together.

Something that comes up a lot in my work as a clinician is the belief that there are certain emotions that are "negative" or "wrong to have". For many, these tend to be emotions like anger, sadness, or jealousy. While these emotions are no doubt unpleasant and painful to feel, thus making them "negative feeling" emotions, labeling emotional experiences as right or wrong, tends to increase judgment, criticism and emotion dysregulation. This can exacerbate the discomfort and pain that's already a part of experiencing these very normal, very real emotions. When we stigmatize our own, and others', emotional experiences, we normalize and perpetuate emotional avoidance and emotional reactivity. So this is one mental health stigma I, as a human and clinician, would love to see addressed on World Mental Health Day. When we start accepting all emotions, even the ones that feel unpleasant, painful or just downright wrong to have, and approaching our emotional experiences with curiosity and compassion, we can become more compassionate and less judgmental to both ourselves and others, modeling emotional intelligence for our children and future generations. By accepting all emotions as part of being a human being, we can base our decisions, our thoughts and our actions less on temporary emotions and more on our own values, wants and needs.

As a US Army veteran with three tours overseas, a stigma I'd like to address on World Mental Health Day is the misconception that PTSD makes veterans "broken" or unable to function in civilian jobs. The truth is, many veterans with PTSD are incredibly resilient and bring unique skills to the workplace. They've faced extreme pressure, learned to adapt quickly, and often excel at problem-solving under stress. These are valuable assets in any business, especially in the fast-paced world of SEO that my company is in. In overcoming the stigma, I think it starts with educating employers about the unique strengths veterans bring to the table, not just the challenges they may face - which is what you typically hear, and when people think veterans and PTSD, they think some crazy person. Some of our top performers are veterans who've worked through PTSD. Their experiences have made them more empathetic marketers, stronger team players, and out-of-the-box thinkers.

One of the stigmas that often shadows mental health is the misconception that it's a sign of weakness, especially in high-stress environments like ours at PinProsPlus. In my fifteen years here, from overseeing production to mastering sales, I've seen firsthand how this belief can silence vital conversations. We tackled this head-on by initiating monthly mental health workshops and sharing success stories from our team members who've sought help and seen tremendous improvements in their work and personal lives. These initiatives not only boosted morale but also productivity, as reflected in our 20% increase in employee satisfaction scores. Let's keep breaking down these barriers together, showing that strength truly comes from facing our challenges, not hiding them.

The most common and detrimental mental health stigma I've encountered in my years of practice is self-stigma. Many people who struggle with mental health challenges, and especially those who cope with more severe and persistent mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other chronic conditions, seem to have internalized societal negative views and stereotypes about mental illness. Many fear that receiving a diagnosis of a mental illness means they will no longer be able to live a full life or will become dangerous or "insane." This self-stigma adds feelings of shame to the already existing emotional challenges, and many times stands in the way of healing, or even seeking help in the first place. In order to overcome mental health self-stigma, we all should move away from judgmental or pejorative language when speaking about mental illness—you would not judge or diminish a person for having a heart condition or a herniated disc, so why a mind illness is any different? Adopting a more curious approach about one's own and others' inner world and emotional challenges, showing compassion or developing self-compassion, and allowing an open conversation about mental health challenges will clear any sense of shame and needing to hide; allowing those who struggle with mental illness a freer way to grow and restore back to wellness.

One common mental health stigma I’d like to see addressed on World Mental Health Day is the misconception that seeking help for mental health struggles is a sign of weakness. Particularly in professional environments, there's often an unspoken pressure to "push through" or "tough it out," which can prevent individuals from getting the support they need. As an employment lawyer, I've seen how this mentality can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and ultimately harm both employees and organizations. To overcome this stigma, we need to create more supportive workplace cultures where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, just like physical health. Employers can lead by example, offering resources such as mental health days, access to counseling services, and training managers to recognize and address signs of mental health distress. As an employment lawyer, I believe normalizing conversations around mental well-being and encouraging employees to seek help when needed, can foster a more compassionate and sustainable work environment for everyone.

The common mental health stigma I’d like to see addressed is the misconception that seeking help is a sign of weakness, especially for entrepreneurs and business leaders. As a founder, I’ve personally felt the pressure to maintain an image of being in control at all times, which can make it hard to admit when things feel overwhelming. There’s a belief that vulnerability undermines leadership, but in reality, acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges can make us stronger and more resilient. To work together on overcoming this stigma, we need to create a culture where mental health is openly discussed, starting from the top. Leaders must lead by example, talking about their own struggles and how they manage them, which helps normalize these conversations. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe asking for help, and where mental health care is seen as integral to long-term success, not as a liability.

"Mental health stigma isn't just a concept - it's a barrier that keeps people from getting the help they need. I've seen this firsthand. My mother struggled with an untreated mental illness because of the shame and misconceptions surrounding it. This affected not just her but our entire family. We need to reframe how we think about mental health. These are real medical conditions, not character flaws or signs of weakness. To break down this stigma, we must lead with empathy and education. Let's create spaces where people feel safe sharing their experiences. Let's advocate for better mental health resources in our workplaces and communities. And most importantly, let's treat mental health with the same urgency and care as physical health. By working together with compassion and understanding, we can make seeking help for mental health as normal as going to the doctor for a physical ailment. It's not just about awareness. It's about action and support. We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and each other to do better."

One common mental health stigma I’d like to see addressed on World Mental Health Day is the glorification of overworking. Many entrepreneurs still equate long hours with success, but this mentality often leads to burnout and mental health struggles. I've seen countless business owners push themselves to the brink, thinking that working harder and longer is the only path to success. One case that stands out to me is a client I worked with in the US, a tech entrepreneur who was putting in 90-hour weeks. Despite his effort, his business was stagnant, and he felt like a failure. Together, we shifted his focus to working smarter, prioritizing key tasks, automating low-value work, and delegating effectively. In just six months, his business grew 30%, and he was able to reduce his hours significantly. To overcome this stigma, we need to change the narrative around hustle culture. By promoting efficiency, delegation, and smart planning, we can help entrepreneurs maintain their mental health while growing their businesses. It’s about making intentional choices and knowing when to step back, not just pushing through exhaustion.

One common mental health stigma I'd like to see addressed is the misconception that therapy is only for those in crisis. This belief discourages many from seeking support until their difficulties have intensified. Therapy can be a proactive approach for anyone wanting to improve mental well-being or navigate life's challenges with clarity, regardless of the severity of their situation. By fostering open conversations about the benefits of therapy, particularly emphasizing early intervention and mental wellness, we can shift perspectives. Encouraging people to hire personalized psychotherapists who honor their unique backgrounds can create a more welcoming space for exploring mental health, ultimately dismantling this stigma.

One stigma I’d like to see dismantled is the belief that mental health struggles are a personal failure or weakness, particularly in high-performance fields like medicine and aesthetics. In reality, the pressures we face often make seeking help a necessity, not a sign of weakness. For World Mental Health Day, we need to shift the narrative toward resilience—understanding that taking care of our mental health makes us better professionals. Overcoming this stigma requires collective effort: promoting open dialogue, offering peer support, and encouraging routine mental health check-ins in the workplace. We have to lead by example and make it clear that seeking help is a strength, not a shortcoming.

Being passionate about creating a healthy, productive work environment, one crucial mental health stigma that should be addressed this World Mental Health Day is the misconception that mental health struggles equate to a lack of productivity or weakness. Many employees fear being labeled as "unreliable" or "not resilient" if they disclose mental health challenges, leading them to suffer in silence. To break this stigma, we must foster open conversations around mental health at work, encouraging leadership to lead by example. It starts with promoting the idea that mental health is as important as physical health. At Synup, we're committed to creating a supportive environment where employees can speak openly about mental health without fear of judgment or career consequences. Offering access to resources like counseling services, flexible work hours, and promoting mental health awareness through internal programs can make a significant difference.

One stigma we need to tackle on World Mental Health Day is thinking that asking for help makes you weak. I've watched it happen at work too often-people grinding through stress or burnout because they fear judgment. Somehow, admitting you're struggling gets twisted into meaning you can't handle your job, which couldn't be further from the truth. We're all human, and acting invincible ends up hurting us more than helping. I recall a situation with one of our team members. They clocked endless hours, never missed a deadline, but you could tell they were running on empty. When we finally talked, they confessed they didn't want anyone thinking they couldn't cope. That stuck with me. It's rough realizing someone on your team feels they have to keep everything bottled up. Reaching out for help isn't failing-it shows you know when you need backup. My experience taught me that leaders must create a space where speaking up feels natural. Once I started sharing my own struggles, I noticed others felt more at ease sharing theirs. We brought in regular mental health check-ins-not as a box to tick, but as a genuine moment to connect-and the impact was clear. The team seemed lighter, more invested, and we looked out for each other in ways we hadn't before. This stigma won't disappear overnight, but we'll make headway through honest conversations. Nobody should feel forced to soldier on alone. When we support each other-openly and without judgment-we start shifting things in the right direction. And trust me, it's worth every effort.

Redefining Trauma Recovery: Overcoming Stigma Around Disclosure in Healing One common mental health stigma I would like to see addressed on World Mental Health Day is the misconception that trauma recovery requires sharing every detail of one’s experiences. This belief can deter individuals from seeking help, particularly those who have faced severe trauma or acute distress. It’s crucial to understand that there are effective therapeutic interventions, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in a Group Format, that allow for healing without the need to disclose personal trauma narratives. At Christina Janiga Psychotherapy, we recognize that talking about traumatic events can be overwhelming. Our Group EMDR Therapy offers a supportive environment where participants can engage in trauma processing individually while benefiting from the collective experience of the group. This method not only helps participants manage PTSD symptoms but also fosters resilience and grounding skills essential for future challenges. To overcome the stigma surrounding trauma disclosure, we must advocate for education and awareness about alternative therapeutic approaches. Mental health professionals can work together to share evidence-based practices that highlight the effectiveness of group therapy formats, which can reduce feelings of isolation and encourage healing without pressure to share personal stories. We can also create community outreach programs that focus on the benefits of trauma-informed care, emphasizing that healing is possible without the burden of reliving painful memories. By promoting resources like Group EMDR Therapy, we can help individuals understand that they are not alone in their struggles and that recovery is attainable through different pathways. In conclusion, we need to reshape the narrative around trauma recovery to emphasize that healing does not require disclosure. By working together to educate our communities about supportive and effective treatments, we can create a more inclusive and understanding environment for those affected by trauma.

One common mental health stigma I'd like to see addressed is the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness, especially in high-pressure industries like event management and hospitality. As someone who's orchestrated large-scale events for clients like Ferrari and Louis Vuitton, I've witnessed firsthand how this stigma can prevent talented professionals from accessing the support they need. To overcome this, we need to reframe seeking help as a proactive step towards peak performance and leadership. At Premier Staff, we've implemented a culture where discussing mental health is as normal as discussing physical health. For instance, after a challenging multi-day activation for Netflix, we held a team debrief that included a wellness check-in. This open dialogue not only improved team morale but also led to innovative solutions for managing stress during high-stakes events. By normalizing these conversations and leading by example, we can create environments where mental health support is seen as a valuable tool for success rather than a admission of failure.

One pervasive mental health stigma that needs addressing is the misconception that mental health issues are a sign of weakness or personal failure. This harmful belief often prevents individuals from seeking help and can exacerbate existing conditions. In the high-pressure world of marketing and advertising, where creativity and performance are constantly demanded, this stigma can be particularly damaging. Many professionals in our industry feel compelled to maintain a facade of unwavering confidence and productivity, even when struggling internally. To overcome this stigma, we need to foster a culture of openness and support within our organizations and the broader industry. At Thrive, we've implemented initiatives like mental health awareness training for managers and flexible work arrangements to accommodate therapy appointments. We've also instituted a policy where employees don't need to use PTO for medical and dental checkups, extending this to mental health appointments as well. These steps have significantly improved employee well-being and productivity. Implementing supportive policies and encouraging openness, we can create an environment where seeking help for mental health issues is seen as a proactive step towards personal and professional growth, rather than a weakness. This shift not only benefits individuals but also leads to more innovative, resilient, and successful marketing teams.

The misconception that people with depression can just "snap out of it." Having suffered from depression a couple of times myself, I can tell you that it's not something you can simply will away. It's not about having a bad day; it's a legitimate medical condition that requires understanding and proper treatment. To overcome this stigma, we need to start with education and open dialogue. Sharing personal stories—like mine—can make a huge difference. When people hear firsthand accounts, it helps demystify the condition and shows that depression can affect anyone, regardless of background or status. Additionally, workplaces and communities should foster an environment where mental health discussions are normalized. This could be through workshops, support groups, or even casual check-ins. When people feel safe to talk about their struggles, it reduces feelings of isolation and encourages them to seek help. Let's make mental health a regular part of our conversations and take meaningful steps to dismantle the stigmas that hold people back.