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Avoiding Stigma When Seeking Help

Updated: Aug 26

Does the stigma associated with relationships still exist? The answer is yes. In many cases, this stigma is associated with gender roles and expectations within a relationship. Dissatisfaction and feelings of inequality can result from this situation.

There is often a stigma attached to mental health issues that is misunderstood and viewed as a sign of weakness. As a result, people may feel ashamed and not seek assistance. It is important to make mental health services more accessible and to reduce the stigma associated with them. By increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, education plays an important role in reducing stigma. Individuals can learn to recognize symptoms and understand the importance of seeking mental health treatment through comprehensive mental health education. By doing so, a more supportive and empathic environment can be created, encouraging people who require assistance to come forward without feeling judged. The perception and treatment of mental health issues are significantly influenced by cultural differences. 


It is common for mental health issues to be heavily stigmatized in some cultures, leading to a reluctance to seek treatment. In contrast, other cultures may be more open and supportive, thereby promoting psychological well-being and reducing stigma. In Japan, for example, mental health issues are often viewed as a personal failing, which may lead individuals to hide their struggles and prevent them from receiving professional treatment. In Sweden, mental health is more openly discussed, and there is greater societal acceptance and support, encouraging people to seek treatment without fear of judgment. The implementation of community-based mental health programs that provide education and resources in a culturally sensitive manner is one way to improve mental health support in stigmatized cultures. Further, the involvement of respected community leaders and influencers in promoting mental health awareness can facilitate a shift in perceptions and reduce stigmas associated with mental health. It is also helpful to provide individuals with anonymous and easily accessible mental health services to encourage them to seek assistance without fear of judgment.


To be honest about our emotions, there must be great courage. When we deceive ourselves, we can become blind to our feelings; when we do this, we cannot detect our emotions. We have likely developed a finely cultivated habit of deceiving ourselves about any negative feelings we may experience due to these causes. We can expect a compounded effect if our churches promote positive feelings and where discouragement is not tolerated. A bias taints people seeking help, so how do we know if it taints their actions? To better understand what stigma means, let us examine the concept closely. As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, stigma is the disapproval of something most people in your society feel toward it, especially if it is unfair. As a result of the competitive nature of the military community, individuals who differ from the military community may perceive and act differently from those who are part of the community. Stereotypes about the behavior and feelings of people towards others are deeply incongruent and discrediting as a result.


The stigmas associated with mental and physical disabilities, addictions, and cultural norms can make it difficult for people to feel accepted in society due to these factors. Aside from that, they are subjected to unfavorable treatment because they accept responsibility for their failures. Proverbs 18:6-7 (NIV) tells us that a fool’s lips cause him strife, and his mouth invites him to be beaten by other fools. Besides arguing, possessing self-conceit, and becoming impatient because of their ungoverned tongues, fools harm themselves tremendously because of their undisciplined languages and harming others. In order to possess an awareness of stigma is the result of the endorsement of negative stereotypes. It has fluctuated over time, along with the associated behaviors related to those stereotypes and prejudicial notions based on race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, physical characteristics, and other health conditions. To develop a directed plan for combating stigma in a military community is to protect themselves from harm is not excuse people for endorsing racist, sexist, or homophobic prejudices. Do not suffer from stigma; it is time to speak up. Feel free to reach out if complications arise.

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