The influential author and speaker, Wayne Dyer, once said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” This change is one that needs to take place surrounding adolescent mental health and addiction stigma. The stigmas that still surround these issues are much more prevalent than many people think. However, the good news is that there are many ways by which it can be reduced and ultimately eliminated.
Understanding the Stigma Still Surrounding Mental Health and Addiction
Much of the stigma that surrounds adolescent mental health and addiction these days exists online. As with most other conversations, the digital realm is where most information gains traction.
Right now there is a disturbing trend among social media influencers and young celebrities. These high-profile personalities glamorize a lifestyle that includes alcohol, substance use, and other risky behaviors (gambling, free-spending, sex, etc.). The trend promotes the idea that young people (especially young women) who don’t participate in those types of activities are somehow abnormal, aloof, or “uncool.”
Unfortunately, this trend influences the way young women are treated regarding mental illness. These young women are portrayed as though they are weak or should have more control over the problems they have. It is this “devil may care” attitude that is making young women feel stigmatized and getting them in trouble. This is because they are at an impressionable age and can make some choices based on the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) rather than logic.
How Can I Help Eliminate Adolescent Mental Health and Addiction-Related Stigmas?
The good news is that there are many ways we can help eliminate the stigmas that surround adolescent mental health and addiction. First, we must start at home. As loved ones of a young person struggling with these issues of mental health and addiction, we can reiterate to them that they are struggling with a disease. We can explain that there is nothing they did to cause it. They don’t have to listen to the conversation online because those are not even grounded in reality. What’s more, there are recovery options available.
The next actions we can take happen outside of the home. Perhaps the simplest action is saying something when we see or hear something that is stigmatizing or false regarding adolescent mental health and addiction. This can happen both online and in person. The interesting thing about this measure is that many times people are not aware that they are using stigmatizing language and they are happy to change moving forward.
Another thing we can do as parents and loved ones is participate in community outreach and recovery programs. Many local places have a focus on promoting positive mental health and addiction initiatives. Also, there are nationwide events and operations that work on eliminating stigma in the mental health arena. One example is National Recovery Month which happens every September. The service work we provide in this area can be instrumental in helping eliminate adolescent mental health and addiction stigmas
How Do I Help My Daughter Cope With Adolescent Mental Health Stigmas?
Now, while we want to eliminate stigma as soon as possible, sometimes the “damage” has already been done to a young woman who is struggling. No, this doesn’t mean permanent damage. It just means they have already been emotionally affected by mental health and addiction stigmas.
When this happens, the key is to be open, honest, and empathetic. It is important to remind our loved one that what they hear now is not going to affect them forever. Also, the people who are trying to stigmatize them are themselves ignorant and even potentially projecting their own struggles out into the public sphere.
Additionally, perhaps the best way to address a young woman who is affected by stigma is to get her the mental health and/or addiction care that she needs. Working with professionals will not only help her recover from her issues but also shed light on the falsities of mental health and addiction stigmas.
Stifling Stigma and Supporting Students at Clearview
Wayne Dyer also once said, “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” This includes the negative judgments and stigmas we have been pushing back against since we opened our recovery center doors here at Clearview.
Our primary purpose is to help our students recover and support them and their needs at all costs. This effort includes eliminating the stigmas surrounding adolescent mental health and addiction. We want to help young women understand that they are valuable, worthy humans regardless of their struggles. More than that, we want them to know that they can go forward to have a positive impact on the world. Yes, this is our mission, and this is how we make a difference in the recovery world and beyond.
Stigma is still a powerful force negatively affecting the recovery realm. Mental health stigmas can be particularly harmful to young people as they are generally more vulnerable and impressionable. This is why working toward eliminating stigmas surrounding adolescent addiction and mental health is crucial. Speaking out against stigma can set a great example for young women to follow. Then, they learn to lead and advocate for themselves and others. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental health, or both, we can help get her on the path to recovery. For more information on the stigmas that still surround mental health and addiction, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
