Article By Cora Miller
We view the world through a lens which is a reflection of our experiences. If we are saturated in problems, and overwhelmed with narratives around shame, blame, guilt and fear, we may be guided by old stories that don’t serve us. There is an opportunity here for positive change and fresh perspective.
When it comes to mental health there are many stigmas which perpetuate a negative message. Seeking mental health support often creates feelings of shame, secrecy, and fear of judgment. It’s crucial to point out that in counselling settings, we adhere to ethical codes designed to safeguard the well-being of individuals who engage in counseling sessions with us. While this topic has been previously addressed in this blog, it is worth reiterating that counselors are committed to establishing trust. Ultimately, the decision to trust a counselor rests with you, similar to any other interpersonal relationship.
As counsellors, we are legally and ethically bound to do no harm to others within the setting of therapeutic conversations. Confidentiality and consent provide safety and acceptance which can reduce fear of judgment and shame.
What is stigma?
Stigma is like a heavy cloud of fumes. It spreads around and covers all of those most near. It distracts us, clouds our perception, and can prevent us from moving forward in life with ease. It thrives in silence. In fact it is the reason we temporarily lose our ability to share our stories and speak up. It whispers judgements and labels, and sows seeds of doubt.
Stigma says, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!” or “My problems aren’t big enough to complain about”.
In the realm of mental health, the stigmas tied to age, ethnicity, gender, and mental states can be extremely harmful. Yet, there lies within each of us the potential to counteract these damaging perceptions. Perhaps the remedy is in finding the courage to share our own narratives and sharing newfound knowledge to provide empowerment to others. Bravely sharing our own narratives, can build empathy and lead to de-stigmatization.
How counseling can help
One of the goals of counselling is to debunk myths that stigma tries to spread. Therapy and education can provide new understanding that enhances compassion. It can be hard to hear the truth but it’s important that we do so in so many ways, for example reconciliation, advocacy and inclusion and safety and wellbeing of those who are feeling unsafe or fearful. Stigma begins to quiet down, by every person who seeks support – in any way shape or form! It quiets down when we talk about our stories, when we listen softly to others and believe their experiences to be true, and when we normalize different kinds of minds.
Why have therapeutic conversations if we’re not suffering right now? Sometimes it’s okay to share our stories to see what these conversations can teach us and it is also okay to seek counselling to celebrate life wins. People deserve spaces to celebrate successes! Counselling can be a wonderful place to discover new things about yourself and it is not just meant for intervention during crisis or desperate times when trouble arises. The more we normalize standard checkups from the neck up, the more we also create space for others to come through without fear.
Shifting towards self care
By normalizing routine mental health checkups, we pave the way for standards of self care and encourage a culture of openness and acceptance. This shift not only promotes individual well-being but also fosters an environment where people feel empowered to prioritize their mental health.
Self exploration, self discovery, and self development are areas that you can focus on in counselling and it’s time that is uninterrupted for you to sort of play with your own ideas and express yourself. Understanding your goals, noticing your patterns, working through thoughts and feelings and sharing your experiences doesn’t have to be such a heavy thing all the time. It can also be inspiring and uplifting or celebratory. Breakthroughs often happen when we see more of the light shining in. Understanding ourselves can be tricky when we are busy, distracted, working, parenting, or focusing on everyone & everything outside ourselves.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of our own inner world, our truest self. Our focus is often pointed outward, towards our responsibilities, obligations, and the needs of others. Yet, true understanding of ourselves requires moments of stillness, and self-reflection. Each individual in our society is capable of making a great positive impact, especially when we turn our attention inward to explore the landscape of our own stories and biases. Negativity is exhausting especially when we are exposed to so much of this type of information every day. What better way to make positive waves than by unsubscribing to the unhelpful narratives?
Breaking free of stigmas
So the point of all this, is to simply put out into the world that we absolutely need to give stigma a rest. Let it take a time out. Experiencing life with more openness and curiosity seems far more beneficial. Let us commit more to removing the judgements that we place on both ourselves and others and connect more deeply, through collaborative storytelling. Ultimately, by embracing our own experiences and supporting others in theirs, we break down the power that stigma holds over us, paving the way for a society where mental health is both valued and prioritized.