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Why We Need To Break The Stigma Around Counselling & Therapy

6th June 2022

Mental health has often been viewed as a taboo topic, and many people feel uncomfortable discussing it. This is especially true when it comes to counselling and therapy. There are many misconceptions about these services, and people often think that they are only for “crazy” people. This could not be further from the truth!

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of mental health support, and why we need to break the stigma around counselling and therapy.

Stigma Around Counselling (2)

First up, Mental Health is really important.

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being.

Just like physical health, it is something that we should all take care of.

Unfortunately, mental health is often seen as a taboo topic, and many people feel uncomfortable discussing it. This is especially true when it comes to counselling and therapy.

Counselling and therapy can be extremely beneficial for everyone, not just those with mental illness. These services can help us to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and much more. Counselling and therapy provide us with a safe space to explore our thoughts and feelings, and to work through our problems. They can also help us to develop healthy coping mechanisms, and to learn more about ourselves.

Breaking the stigma around counselling and therapy is important. By doing so, we can encourage more people to seek out these services, and to take care of their mental health. We need to normalise the idea of seeking professional help, and make it clear that there is nothing wrong with doing so. Counselling and therapy are vital tools that can help us to live happier, healthier lives.

Why do we feel so judged?

Therapists are human beings, too. It is natural for us to feel apprehensive about being observed and judged during therapy sessions. Feeling vulnerable may bring with it a slew of other emotions, including the sensation of being condemned for exposing ourselves. This is why many of us may avoid confessing to loved ones and friends that we’re going to therapy because we believe they’ll see it as a sign of weakness or that we’re being evaluated or don’t want to be seen as weak.

In actuality, we are the ones who are often in denial about our strengths because we have reached out for assistance and going to therapy is generating a more positive and healthy mentality for ourselves.

It may be helpful to increase our openness and honesty about seeking therapy and feel more confident in telling others and how it’s assisting us. It may be possible to reduce the stigma if we were more open and honest about going to therapy, felt braver in telling others, and how it helps us. It can definitely be difficult to feel at ease discussing psychotherapy with those around you because of the stigma. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who could benefit from therapy but don’t seek it out due to prejudice.

Here are 3 ways to help fight the mental health stigma

1. Don’t buy into the stigma.

You may feel that mental illness is a sign of weakness and that you or the individual dealing with it should be able to manage it on your own. You or others might treat themselves or one another harshly as a result of these ideas. Education, compassion, being caring to oneself and others, and finding support from people who suffer from mental illnesses can all aid in increasing positive self-esteem, perspective, and overcoming harsh judgment.

2. Choose empowerment over shame.

If you’re having trouble, accept your story and don’t let others persuade you otherwise. Encourage those seeking assistance and support by being encouraging. Be truthful with people around you. Let them see the real you by sharing your strengths, abilities, and objectives. Encourage those who are struggling to do so as well. Remember that how you behave and treat others may have an impact on others’ opinions of you and mental illness in general. In this process, be nice to yourself as well as others. Acceptance is a tough road that takes time to travel.

3. Actively speak up against mental health stigma.

Whether you’re speaking with a group of pals or in front of a large audience, exude confidence and assertiveness while expressing your views. To aid in the advancement of mental health awareness, encourage others to educate others respectfully about mental illness. Remind people that they wouldn’t make fun of someone who has heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Speaking up will not only educate the public and help reduce stigma, but it could also give courage to others facing a similar challenge.

Let’s start breaking the stigma today!