Let's break the mental health stigma, one conversation at a time. . .

Breaking the stigma around mental health starts with open conversations, education, and empathy. We’ve roped in Netcare Akeso’s Crisis Line Manager, Megan Gonsalves to affirm that together, we can replace stigma with support and ensure that no one feels alone in their journey to healing.

For too long, mental health struggles have been met with silence, shame, or misunderstanding. But the truth is, mental well-being is just as important as physical health. By normalizing discussions, challenging stereotypes, and supporting those who seek help, we can create a culture of acceptance and understanding. Whether through personal advocacy, policy change, or simply checking in on loved ones, every action matters.

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“There are various factors that contribute to stigma in society, lack of understanding about mental health conditions and their causes, fear, negative stereotypes that may be driven by the media or having a negative experience with someone with a mental illness can influence how a person thinks about mental health in general,” says Megan. Further noting that having negative experience with treatment or care for a mental health condition can also build up damaging associations that may prevent people from seeking professional help in future, further contributing to mental health stigma.

Glamour: How can individuals help break the stigma of mental health within their own communities?

Megan: Education and awareness can go a long way to reducing mental health stigma, as facts can address harmful stereotypes and myths. Sharing personal experiences of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety and other real accounts from people who have personally ‘been there’ can also help to demonstrate that struggling with mental health is not uncommon. These conversations can help to address stigma, as mental health struggles are no longer seen as a distant concept or something that wouldn’t impact ourselves, our families or our community.

Glamour: What role does media play in perpetuating or combating mental health stigma?

Megan: The media plays a massive role in how people understand mental illness. Too often, the depictions of mental health in the media enforce the negative stereotypes or use harmful language to explain mental health conditions. For example, linking crime with mental health issues, or minimising the severity of mental health issues for entertainment purposes can perpetuate the stigma. Responsible media portrayals of mental health issues, sharing of empowering real-life experiences, and stories of hope could all contribute towards combatting stigma.

Glamour: In your experience, what are the most common misconceptions people have about those living with mental health challenges?

Megan: Misconceptions include that all mental health experiences are the same, that there is no cure or way for people to get better. Incorrect perceptions that people with mental health challenges are ‘lazy’ or incapable of working or living full lives, or that people who experience mental health challenges are weak, are also unfortunately common. Negative stereotypes suggesting that people with mental health challenges are dangerous are also unjustified. The truth is that each person’s experience is unique, and managing mental illnesses is very possible, enabling most people to live full, productive lives. Mental health disorders can be caused by a number of factors and are not due to weakness.

Glamour: How do you suggest addressing the stigma around mental health in the workplace or educational environments?

Megan: It can be difficult to speak up about mental health in the workplace or an educational environment due to the fear of consequences. Education in these spaces is important – not only around mental health, but also around the rights that exist. Where possible, support should be made available through employee assistance programmes or other resources. Looking after mental health should be a priority for all workplaces – it is in a company’s best interest to have a healthy and happy workforce. Regular discussions about stress management, boundaries, and open discussions about mental health struggles can go a long way to supporting mental wellbeing. How mental health experiences are treated and the reactions of management and peers, also play a role in the culture of support that can address or pre-empt mental health stigma.

Glamour: What impact does mental health stigma have on those who need treatment but are reluctant to seek help?

Megan: Reaching out for help is a big step that can take a lot of courage. When you are faced with stigma, this can prolong your actions to seek help or prevent you accessing support entirely. Stigma can lead to people being afraid to open up to anyone about the fact that they are struggling, and can make reaching out feel like a step that is impossible without judgement. This can lead to further feelings of isolation. If you are already reluctant to seek help, this stigma can negatively influence your ability to do so and can also lead to negative beliefs about your experience.

Glamour: How can mental health professionals contribute to breaking stigma in their everyday practices?

Megan: Showing compassion is essential. It is also important for mental health professionals to be honest about treatment and treatment options. Sometimes treatment can be a long process, with ups and downs, and working with clients through this process openly can go a long way towards their understanding of their illness and their experience. Involving loved ones can help to ensure a supportive environment is present. Professionals can also advocate for their clients – speaking up and challenging negative or incorrect comments about mental health and educating communities can start with your personal circle.

Glamour: Are there specific strategies or programs you’ve seen be particularly effective in reducing stigma?

Megan: Education is definitely one of the most effective methods of reducing stigma. This can take place in many forms – talks and presentations, interviews, sharing facts etc. When mental health is normalised, and no longer a ‘scary’ topic to discuss, we’ll have made great progress.

Glamour: How can we encourage open discussions about mental health without fear of judgment or discrimination?

Megan: When discussing mental health, it’s important to understand the reason you are having the conversation – is it for understanding, for blame, for concern and support, or what is the benefit of the conversation?

Going into these discussions genuinely wanting to support someone or understand how they’re feeling can frame the discussion in a more positive way. The time and place for these discussions is also important.

Sharing real experiences, for example when you are struggling, can show others that these experiences are taking place and demonstrate the relevance of mental health in meaningful ways. It’s also important to follow through when people report they are struggling, as this in turn can lead to a positive culture of sharing.