Avoiding or delaying professional help for mental health conditions is often displayed in marginalized communities, but affects every untreated person differently. Wondering to yourself, “why would anyone delay seeking medical help?” is not an uncommon reaction.
There are several factors that can be associated in someone with a mental health condition who doesn’t seek help or assistance. This can be through the use of self-medicating by way of drugs or changes from the brain that prevent a patient from seeking help. Mental health is also associated with a stigma that reduces help-seeking. Most commonly, it’s assessed as public and self-stigma though several other types of stigmas have been identified through studies.
According to PubMed Central, Public stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that society holds towards individuals with a particular trait, often a mental health condition. Self stigma is the process where individuals internalize stereotypes and prejudices about themselves, leading to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and decreased self-efficacy.
Mental Health studies have been done in countries other than the U.S., as mental illness affects individuals worldwide. Physchology, Health & Medicine’s 5th issue article discusses the burden mental health has had on the public affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Other studies have examined mental health services in conflict affected regions like Pakistan (Safieh, Bergh & Benedicte, 2014)
To learn how mental health stigma affects the African American community. I spoke with a therapist whose approach is seen as unethical but does it warrant for great results? Jerrell Escott-Collins is an Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist in Dallas, Texas. In an interview via JUST A FEW KOMMENTS podcast with host Dnzl Kanin, Mr. Escott-Collins talks about how harmful stigmas can affect those who face mental health problems.
It’s important to note that those who live with a mental illness are more susceptible to addiction. This can be due to self-medication, as someone who’s unmedicated may fall victim to drugs to cope with their symptoms. Mental health conditions can also impair cognitive functions like impulse control or even decision making, which makes the urge to resist taking drugs that much harder.
According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction can occur in those who live with depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, PSTD among more. These mental health conditions can cause severe changes in the brain, resulting in the need for an instant release.
There have been known public cases of addiction due to a mental illness in celebrities like Demi Lovato, who suffered from a near-fatal drug overdose in 2018 or Britney Spears’ public mental down in 2008 due to substance abuse issues and postpartum depression.
Although therapy is a great way to handle and maintain mental health conditions and avoid impulsive decisions, like indulging in drugs. Treatment should not rely solely on medication as stigma related beliefs still can cause concern for someone with a mental illness, who’s also experienced addiction, to relapse.
A study done by Sarah Ketchen Lipson reveals the rate of treatment for individuals with mental health conditions increased from 19% in 2007 to 34% by 2017. However, with these increases, the decline in mental health stigma is still a predictor of help-seeking. To help combat stigma. In addition to therapy, seeking a community of support is highly encouraged and recommended.
A term or phrase often heard by those with a mental illness is have you taken your meds? This can be used to invalidate someone’s experience or gaslight them to believe they may be experiencing an episode. A study done by Suk Kyung Nam of Kyungnam University examined relationships tied between individuals with a mental health condition and the attitudes in seeking professional help. In this study, it’s found that self-stigma had the largest negative effect on help-seeking attitudes.
In an interview with Randy of Bosie, Idaho. He discussed his own personal experiences in adapting to his new norm and how harmful stigmas had an impact on his growth, Randy says
“When I have told people my diagnosis or that I was taking lithium it definitely gets their attention in a negative way… however, the addict label, in my opinion, has been where any different treatment from others stem from”
Randy is a 44-year-old man living with chronic depression, anxiety disorder and PTSD. Randy discovered his diagnosis at the age of 27.
When asked if the negative reactions toward his mental health play a part in avoiding the disclosure of his illness, Randy shares
“for sure. I will tell people that I have depression but unless it’s family I don’t disclose my diagnosis if I don’t need to”
Stigma related stereotypes around the idea of individuals with a mental illness are created out of fear of being judged or looked at differently. If you’re wondering about how to effectively support someone with a mental illness. Be a beacon of support for those who need a shoulder to lean on. This embraces the fear of rejection and as someone who lives with a mental illness, it also creates a sense of safety and trust.
Randy closes with “Isolation is okay for a while, you feel what you need to feel but if you ever want to feel even a little okay. You got to find your people and open up to them.”
Little research has examined the link between depression and help-seeking intentions, but it’s found that people who experience depression symptoms are related to mental health stigma (Livingston & Boyd, 2010). If we take for example, someone who is having a hard time with life. That person seeking out asylum from another person who doesn’t believe in mental illnesses can lead them to adhere to a stigma they’ve heard or been told. This can cause sadness, anxiety, hopelessness or helplessness. Which are signs of depression.
Many common mental health conditions exist in addition to depression, like bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia as previously mentioned. Studies have shown that one individual can possess more than one mental health disorder, like Randy.
We’ve discussed self and public stigma, but many times your social surroundings can place a huge hurdle on not only accepting your mental health conditions but, also being vulnerable enough to be honest with yourself and those around you.
Social influence theories suggest that when an individual learns about a behavior or condition being more common than not, it can lead to a more acceptable viewpoint. Communities of support for those suffering from, living with, or managing their mental health condition often help bring a sense of belonging which allows for openness. We’ve seen this done with the Anxiety and Depression Association, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and more.
IT BEGS THE QUESTION, WHEN DID MENTAL HYGIENE BECOME A PUBLIC ISSUE?
Dating back to the mid 1900s, the nation’s public health officers held a meeting that designed the idea that mental hygiene and public health belonged together. A few years later, John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act into law providing community-based services for people discharged from hospitals.
John F. Kennedy’s bill created community based environments to facilitate a place of belonging. It enables an experience of familiarity amongst peer and social groups not limited to those with mental health conditions.
Robbie Lloyd, PhD Researcher in Critical Social Sciences, did a study where willing subjects agreed to join a voluntary community of belonging for 12 months. This study compiled that instead of journal-keeping, many candidates preferred tribal gatherings that took place every 6 months. This allowed participants to celebrate being together with opportunities to catch up.
Many of these participants were between the ages of 18 & 35-years-old living with mental illness or intellectual disability. In an interview, Curtis Roach from New York City, offers first-hand experience for those seeking community based support.
“I spoke to a therapist from 2018-2023”, Curtis shares.
Curis was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. He often leans on his Bestfriend for support in addition to his therapist.
He continues, “Most of the times it’s my Bestfriend… he would help me stop generalizing people and how to work on being a better person. My therapist and best friend are non judgmental, is why I choose them.”
We wanted to understand how community support benefit a persons mental hygiene, as Curtis says.
“In the beginning of my depression stage, people were giving me false hope and dumbing me down because of my symptoms….…it took me years to get away from people who have the mindset of downplaying my emotions”
When asked If Mr. Roach believed in therapy and whether or not it helps, he says “Yes it definitely helps you to heal, become a better person in life and how to recognize and deal with trauma from past relationships and childhood.”
Trauma can significantly impact mental health which can increase the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety. Dr. Janet Taylor, who’s been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, & was the first person to sit on PepsiCo’s Health and Wellness Board shared in an article, “When you think about trauma, It can happen because of the unexpected-like a car accident or being shot when you’re grocery shopping.” Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a trauma-related mental health condition characterized by distressing memories, experiences or anxiety. This can affect but are not limited to those in the military, anyone raised in a toxic environment or a global pandemic. Dr. Janet also states,
“But trauma can also be intentional. In America, It has been intentional and deliberate through polices and legislative practices. The system makes Black people feel like we are responsible for the centuries of inequities that are purposefully designed in every institution, on every level”
In 1984, Eddie Joe Lloyd visited a hospital for treatment for Paranoid Schizophrenia. While at the hospital Lloyd wrote to the police on ways to solve several murders, the police then interrogated Mr. Lloyd several times while at the hospital. During the interrogation, police officers coerced Mr. Lloyd into believing he was doing a small favor for the police by signing a confession and admitting to the crime on camera. Mr. Lloyd was then convicted of a crime he didn’t commit in 1985.
There’s no reason to explain why police officers ignored to check the medical background of Mr. Lloyd. For years, Eddie tried fighting back with submitting appeals. It wasn’t until 2002, when Eddie Joy Lloyd was exonerated and released from prison, unfortunately he died just two years later. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, police are equipped and inclined to recognize mental illness and respond accordingly. So, why was Eddie Joe Lloyd not given a fair trial? The real truth is no one did their job correctly, but it also brings into question how could officers of the law think so little of a person to knowingly convict him of a crime he didn’t commit?
Whether or not the officers knew Mr. Lloyd had a mental illness during the time is up for debate. That said, if Lloyd was white, would he have been treated so unfairly? Could the officers have assumed Lloyd was coherent and present enough to knowingly confess to a crime he didn’t commit?
The impact of slavery, even though abolished in 1865, still significantly impacts the mental health of Black Americans through intergenerational trauma, patterns and system racism. During slavery, Africans were deprived of so much that even a mental disorder was viewed as too sophisticated for black Americans to experience. As a result, many African & Black Americans adapted the idea to pray it away. A term often used by Christians who would use it as a primary and effective way to address emotional and mental difficulties. That said, as more generations were born, it was clear that many could not solely rely on their religion due to suicide rates rising as a result for not seeking help.
From 2007-2020, suicide rates amongst non-Hispanic Black Americans declined from 5.6% to 5.1% per 100,000. For black males, suicide rates peaked at 8.9% in 2009.
Being labeled as “crazy” or “unstable” within the Black American community leads to isolation and creates silence around mental health issues. There are also systemic barriers that reveal a lack of access and affordability in seeking care for mental illnesses. After slavery was abolished, Black Americans faced difficulties in transitioning to a work life. Finding employment became a task, while some worked as wage laborer. Others faced legal and social barriers that limited their work options.
Things like Black Codes, Discrimination and limited opportunities also played a huge part in the immediate challenges after slavery for Black Americans. Some of these systemic barriers are still in place, even though illegal. Discussing how unemployment & discrimination play a part in worsening someone’s mental health, we spoke with Joshua Brown as he shares,
“I, myself, have experienced discrimination within my immediate family and even as an adult. I’m very light skinned compared to my brothers and other family members so I was singled out quite a bit growing up. People often assumed that I thought I was better because I was lighter and had reddish brown here”
Joshua Brown, born in Virginia Beach, VA was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Bipolar disorder in 2019 after experiencing a series of traumatic events. We asked Brown does he believe unemployment play a huge part in today’s climate, he answers
“I definitely believe it does. The regular everyday stressors of life alone are enough to trigger mental health illnesses. Adding being unemployed which means your home, vehicle, every day comforts are all in jeopardy. Speaking from personal experiences I felt as though I was at rock bottom and had nothing to lose and fell into a very deep dark depression….”
“before I was diagnosed I found that I was often accused of using drugs when exhibiting mild mental health issues. It’s my opinion that if you’ve never been mentally ill or dealt with depression/anxiety then you won’t fully understand”
In 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 7 million people unemployed in the U.S. Joshua’s testimony speaks for many Americans who are affected,
“This time last year I accepted a job offer and moved to Oregon only to be out there for a few months and laid off along with 13 others. Being unemployed was the catalyst, I believe, for my most recent mental health episode”
A supportive circle, whether that be friends or family or both, helps push the fact that mental health is manageable alongside assistance in activities that promote good mental hygiene. like tribal gatherings…. In addition to therapy.
THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPY THAT ARE EFFECTIVE IN SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH, INCLUDING MUSIC THERAPY, COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY OR PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY.
Though each of these solutions have different approach mechanisms to support someone with mental health conditions, they all help individuals understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors with hopeful results in improving mental well-being.
In the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 adult experience mental health conditions in any given year. It’s common among humans with the capacity to feel. The good thing is that many mental health conditions are treatable through medication, therapy or a mixture of both.
It’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to share that you’re not okay and it should be received well by your peers in way that supports your well-being. You’re not crazy and you’re not alone.
Gareith Swanigan is a Youth mentor, teacher and dance coach fromBirmingham, Alabama. He shares his experiences in dealing with minors and young adults and how mental health stigma affects them. Swanigan says, “Many minors and young adults are still developing the language and confidence to express emotional challenges, and stigma-whether cultural, social, or institutional-can make it significantly harder. They’re often afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or labeled.”
Exhibiting mental health conditions is common, but unless addressed and analyzed by a professional. Going untreated can cause for more concern. When asked how often would a student exhibit behaviors that may warrant a mental health analysis?
Swanigan says, “Frequently. At least weekly, I encounter students who display signs of anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, or overwhelming emotional responses. These can sometimes be attributed to stress or developmental changes, but often they point to deeper issues that should be explored further.”
It’s important that the youth have access to resources and tools if they decide to seek out professional medical help, Garieth shares that although resources are readily made available, only some are aware of the advantages in seeking professional help.
“Even when schools have support systems like counselors, students don’t always understand how to access them or may feel hesitant to do so. More proactive outreach and education are needed to bridge that gap.”
The fact is that mental health is unpredictable. What can be predicted is that treatment can work. It may seem like a lot of pressure to maintain, not only yourself, but also a mental illness. A great support system, therapy in combination with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist, and an overall understanding of who and what your triggers are can help balance the lows and highs a little better.
Due to the recent inflation and increase in prices for merchandise & goods, individuals with mental illnesses often can’t utilize the benefits of therapy. If you or anyone you know may be experiences a mental health crisis and needs assistance, individuals can contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
