Many social stigmas around mental health issues have endured for decades. Although the cultural discourse on mental health has improved, the stigma surrounding mental health has continued to persist. These detrimental perceptions can negatively exacerbate many mental health issues and make it challenging for people to find quality psychiatric depression treatments in Denver that work for them.
Like so many other psychiatric practices, we are passionate about mental health care at Larson Mental Health, and we want to do our part to change these pervasive stigmas. We've assembled a talented team of board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), and we're working to support and improve mental health challenges for all. Let's dive into these stigmas on a granular level, how they impact mental health care services, and what can be done to alter those harmful perceptions.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma
Stigmas are essentially negative and often unfair perceptions of others caused by a mental, physical, or social feature. You can see stigmas affecting people from all walks of life every day; some are more obvious than others, but even when they go unnoticed, they can be damaging. For example, some may choose to exclude individuals or treat them differently based on their physical health conditions, their race, or religion.
When it comes to mental health, humanity has a long and complicated relationship with how illnesses have been viewed and treated. Various problems, like depression, are now considered common and very treatable, but just within the last century, these types of conditions were addressed with harsh treatments, like electroshock therapy. Even today, many forego treatment because of the social stigma surrounding mental illnesses and because they don't want to appear "weak" or "crazy" or to be made fun of for seeking treatment.
Mental health stigmas can have significant negative impacts, including:
- Discrimination and fewer opportunities for work, school, and socialization
- Bullying, physical violence, abuse, or harassment
- Isolation and worsening of mental health symptoms
- Reluctance to seek help or get psychiatric treatment
The Movements to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma
Our understanding of mental health and wellness has greatly evolved throughout the 21st century, and many are embracing a more open conversation on the topic. There are numerous campaigns and initiatives out there today that are working to reduce stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental health afflictions. In fact, national data published at the end of 2021 showed that the stigma level toward people with depression has dropped significantly.
We've seen great progress across this stigma category in recent years as more people embrace psychiatric depression treatments in Denver, Boulder, and elsewhere in the nation. There is still more to be done, and we all can contribute to ending the stigma against mental illnesses.
Changing the Narrative Around Psychiatric Depression Treatments
Whether you are searching for depression treatment in Highlands Ranch or want to help a friend overcome symptoms that are holding them back, everyone can help combat the negative perceptions surrounding mental health. Here are some ways you can work towards that goal with us:
- Get educated on stigma and mental health afflictions. Most people hold onto stigmas because of outdated beliefs or inaccurate information. Knowing the truth about mental illnesses will help you correct others and potentially improve their relationship with mental wellness.
- Talk openly about the facts and realities of mental health. When you see stigma, speak out against it, even with friends and family. By sharing accurate information on the subject, you can bring greater awareness to others.
- Seek psychiatric treatment. Don't let fear prevent you from seeking help for your mental health. By getting a psychiatric depression treatment in Boulder or Denver, you can gain significant relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing harmful symptoms that interfere with your personal life.
- Explore anti-stigma campaigns. There are many positive movements out there today that are striving to end the stigma around mental health. These resources can be game changers for your mental wellness and others globally. You may also consider joining a support group for those with similar mental health conditions.
By working together, we can all change the narrative around mental illnesses and help everyone get the treatments they need to mitigate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Start Your Psychiatric Depression Treatment in Denver
At Larson Mental Health, we can create a highly personalized psychiatric treatment plan for you to address your mental health concerns, needs, and goals. Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose conditions and develop custom treatment strategies that integrate supplemental therapies and treatments. With our team at your back, you can finally find the relief you need.
Schedule your depression treatment with our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners today at one of our offices across the state, from Fort Collins and Highlands Ranch to Denver, Boulder, and even Colorado Springs.