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Stop the Stigma
By Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ May 29, 2025
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Mom’s eyes.
The Stigma Associated with Mental Illness
Through my daughter’s journey, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the obstacles many face in accessing quality health care. Time and again, I’ve seen how stigma—both past and present—continues to distort perceptions of mental illness, creating barriers that persist where compassion and proper care should prevail.
The weight of these misconceptions often leaves individuals feeling isolated, struggling against judgment rather than receiving the support and care that is needed.
In recent years, mental health has become a more prominent topic in media discussions.
Within the medical community, efforts have been made to encourage patients to speak openly about their mental health.
Yet, despite this progress, misconceptions and a fundamental lack of understanding persist.
Contributing factors to stigma
Many things still currently contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health.
One factor is how the media may report on mass shootings and other devastating tragedies, using remarks like “The shooter had mental health issues” which is frequently paired with an unsettling remark, “We don’t have any place to put these people.”
These statements reflect the widespread misinformation and insensitivity that continue to shape perceptions of mental illness and how it affects those who suffer from mental health problems.
Another contributing factor is going back to old ideas for treatment of mental health issues. Ideas that include only a medication treatment plan that cures all, quick and easy, if you try hard enough.
Mental health is not something that can be cured with a pill. It isn’t a quick fix or something that can be shaken off.
It is a real disease. And most likely is something that takes a life-long commitment to obtain wellness.
Awareness can help take away the stigma
- Recognize that mental health illness is real
- That many people suffer from some kind of mental health unwellness in their lifetime such as depression and anxiety
- Some mental health problems can be a life-long battle such as negative thinking
- There is physical pain that can come with a mental health illness
- Mental health medication may control symptoms but doesn’t provide a cure
- Side effects of mental health medications can cause increase symptoms of the disorder
- Mental health medications can cause new symptoms to individuals including not thinking rationally, suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety
- Medication may not be effective for everyone
- Some people have serious side effects physically and mentally to prescription medications
- Mental illness does not define an individual
Change is needed in how we think as a society and especially in the medical community.
Let’s learn and help stop the stigma of mental health!
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Note: All information in “Nikki’s Story and Mom’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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