Mental health stigma and discrimination cont.
meaningful way. This is regardless of their personal circumstances, strengths, or skills. Some young people feel specifically and deliberately isolated from social situations because their friends weren’t accepting of their challenges or didn’t know how to interact with them (83). Whilst it may be true that some young people can be considerably affected in such ways, it is crucial to consider the person as a unique individual rather than making sweeping judgements based on their diagnosis. As a unique individual the young person may also be subject to multiple layers of discrimination depending on their identity or social determinants. This can perpetuate the effects of stigma and discrimination. Language The language we use can make a real difference to the way we contribute to or reduce stigma and discrimination. This includes words, phrases, and the context of the language we use. Unhelpful language can reinforce stereotypes and contribute to stigma. It can act as a barrier to accessing professional help by creating shame or ‘othering’. Othering is when individuals or groups are defined and labelled as not fitting in within the norms of a dominant social group (84). Unhelpful language can also cause a young person to internalise stigma and feel shame. Poor mental health is not always visible to others and so young people with poor mental health may be incorrectly perceived as weak, lazy, selfish, uncooperative, attention seeking, or exaggerating symptoms. People with poor mental health can internalise these words and begin to believe the negative things that others say about them.
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