Why Mental Health Care Is Just Health Care - Period.
Societally there is still a difference in the perception of seeking health care for a physical ailment as opposed to seeking professional help for mental health care.
Seeing a doctor for a broken bone is common sense, while many people struggling with common mental health conditions - depression, anxiety, or relational distress - do not feel the same level of confidence about seeking support from a therapist.
Defining Stigma
One element that feeds this incongruence is the ongoing stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health. Stigma as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.”
Although there has been a cultural shift where more people are speaking openly about their struggles with mental health and the benefits they find in professional help, there’s still a significant imbalance. It is vital to see mental health care as an essential part of caring for our overall health - not as something separate or secondary - and certainly not as something that is optional.
Historical Roots of Stigma
Psychology is a relatively young scientific field, only emerging within the past 150 years. Because of this, there is a great deal of misunderstanding that shapes our societal perceptions around mental health. Historically an individual who struggled would be labeled as crazy, weak or hysterical. This labeling would frequently be followed up with further shame in the form of isolation from community or support.
There are also many cultural narratives that shape beliefs about struggling in a mental or emotional capacity. Many people have heard invalidating phrases throughout their life including “toughen up” or “it’s all in your head.” Phrases like these feed cycles of minimization and dismissiveness that further the cycle of shame surrounding mental health.
The Science: Mind and Body are Deeply Connected
The biopsychosocial model shows how our mental, physical, and social worlds are deeply interconnected. Stress, trauma, or emotional distress can affect sleep, immunity, and heart health, while physical illness can impact mood and coping. Understanding this connection reminds us that supporting mental health is essential for overall well-being.
The Cost of Stigma: What Happens When We Avoid Care
Emotional toll: prolonged suffering, isolation and worsening conditions
Practical consequences: decreased productivity, strained relationship and deterioration of physical health
Increased rates of deep psychological suffering can lead to significant harm, including substance misuse or suicide
Reframing Therapy and Mental Health Support
It is vital that we begin to speak about mental health treatment including therapy as routine health care. There’s no reason therapy cannot be regular or even preventative - similar to how we regularly check in with our doctor annually or go in for biannual dental cleanings. We do not have to wait until we are deeply struggling to benefit from therapy.
What We Can All Do to Destigmatize Mental Health Care
Normalize talking openly about emotions and therapy
Challenge harmful language and stereotypes when you hear them
Encourage and support loved ones seeking help
Model it yourself - if you go to therapy, share that experience however you’re comfortable
Meet the Author
Cassie Thomas, MA, LPC
Cassie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Wyoming. Cassie loves to support adolescent girls and gender non-conforming clients of any age in their exploration of identity.
Cassie is certified in EMDR and is skilled in supporting clients who struggle with chronic health conditions and CPTSD.
