Mental health stigma refers to negative attitudes, stereotypes or discrimination directed toward people who experience mental health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Anyone can be affected by mental health stigma, but it disproportionately affects ethnic minorities, members of the LGBTQIA community and people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Men are also more susceptible to stigmatized attitudes and beliefs toward mental illness due to common masculine ideals such as self-reliance and not showing sadness or pain.
There are two main types of mental health stigma:
Public stigma – when society holds prejudiced views toward those with a mental illness (for example, assumptions that people with mental health challenges are “weak” or “unreliable”).
Cultural stigma — this is a subset or manifestation of public stigma within specific cultural contexts. Culture can influence the types and intensity of mental health stigma. For example, collectivistic cultures (as opposed to individualistic cultures) sometimes show higher levels of stigma due to concerns over family reputation and wanting to conform to cultural norms.
Self-stigma – when individuals internalize those negative messages and begin to feel shame or guilt about their own struggles.
Social/cultural barriers — Many people avoid seeking care or even getting information about it due to fear of being judged or treated differently. The threat of damaging relationships or being seen as “weak” or “unstable” often keeps people from seeking help.
In some cultures, mental health struggles may be seen as a personal weakness, a family shame, or even a spiritual problem. Other times, mental health issues are dismissed altogether. This can leave people feeling alone and unable to talk about what they’re going through. Watch this clip of Estella’s story from the Atlas video library to hear more.
Structural barriers — People may avoid disclosing mental health struggles for fear it might affect job prospects or access to resources. Sometimes health systems themselves reflect stigma through underfunding and inaccessible care.
Internal barriers — When people start to believe negative stereotypes about mental illness, they may resort to secrecy or denial. People may delay or avoid seeking care because they don’t want to “admit” they have a problem. Or they may try to cope with their challenges in unhealthy ways, like using substances or withdrawing from people and things that are good for them.
Social/cultural barriers — Digital tools give people a private way to explore mental health information and support. This helps reduce the fear of being judged or being seen as “weak,” since they can engage on their own time and in private. Having a personal portal to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors and skills can be a first step to more understanding and self-acceptance. Once someone gains that insight, they may feel ready to reach out for more help or connect with others on the same journey.
Structural barriers — Many digital platforms are available anytime and anywhere, removing some of the barriers created by underfunded, understaffed or hard-to-access health systems. They often don’t require a clinician, diagnosis or official referral, giving people an accessible and low-risk entry point to care.
Internal barriers — Self-guided apps and resources like Atlas can help reduce shame by normalizing mental health struggles and teaching coping strategies. People can take steps toward help without having to disclose their challenges to people who may not be supportive, making it easier to begin the process.
“What I learned through the process of Interactive Journaling® — irrational and rational thinking, the eight positive attitudes for change, criminal thinking — that information completely reset my life. I found myself tangled with the justice system because of beliefs I still had in place that I didn’t really recognize were driving my behavior. When I began to invest in the program and myself, the learning experience was absolutely transformative.”
— Terry Liggins, CEO and life coach, formerly incarcerated in a federal prison
Accessible and non-judgmental language
Interactive Journals are designed to feel safe and approachable. They use supportive, easy-to-understand language that encourages reflection without making someone feel judged or labeled. The Journals don’t aim to diagnose, instead, they utilize some of cognitive behavioral therapy's guiding principles to help people think about what they feel has gotten in the way of their success or responsible living. The Journals are a space for authentic, self-paced reflection and personal goal setting. No scripts or outside agendas.
Equipping people with tools for real change
Atlas provides more than a place to express and get things out in the open — the Journals, video library, and podcast all provide hands-on tools and strategies that can be applied immediately. Users can practice real skills to begin changing their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and ultimately their results.
Progress you can see
Atlas allows users to track their progress, giving them a clear view of the steps they’re taking toward growth. This makes change feel real and rewarding, while also building motivation to keep going.
Knowing you’re not alone
The Atlas video library features Change Stories from people who have faced struggles with mental health, substance use and incarceration. Hearing these experiences from someone who has been there not only provides an example to aspire to, but also helps users feel less alone. Knowing you’re not alone can help reduce feelings of shame and bring hope that positive change is possible.
Chances are, mental health stigma impacts the individuals you work with to some degree. Resistance to help-seeking or limited mental health resources are very common. Digital tools can help organizations reduce access gaps and ease reluctant individuals into care.