By Arvind Maurya, Psychologist
The Invisible Burden: How Self-Stigma
When we hear the word “mental illness,” we often think about symptoms, treatment, and recovery. But there is another struggle that may remain hidden—the way a person starts seeing themselves after receiving a diagnosis.
Self-stigma happens when a person begins to believe the negative ideas and stereotypes that society has about mental illness. Instead of thinking, “I am experiencing an illness,” they may start thinking, “Something is wrong with me,” “I am weak,” or “People will never accept me.” Slowly, the illness becomes connected with their identity.
For example, imagine a young woman experiencing repeated panic attacks or anxiety. She knows that her heart races, she feels breathless, and she becomes frightened during an episode. But instead of understanding these experiences as symptoms that can be treated, she starts thinking, “I cannot handle normal situations like everyone else.” She may stop going to college functions or meeting friends because she fears that others will notice her anxiety.
A person experiencing depression may face a similar struggle. After weeks of sadness, low energy, disturbed sleep, and loss of interest, they may hear comments such as, “You just need to be positive” or “Everyone has problems.” Eventually, they may begin blaming themselves: “I am lazy,” “I am not strong enough,” or “I am a burden to my family.” The illness is already difficult, but self-blame adds another layer of pain.
Self-stigma can influence treatment as well. A person may avoid visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist because they believe seeking help means they are weak. Some may stop medication secretly because they do not want others to know about their condition. Others may avoid discussing their symptoms with family members because they fear judgement.
The important thing to remember is that having a psychological illness does not define the whole person. A person can have depression and still be caring, talented, responsible, and hardworking. Someone with anxiety can still be courageous. A person with schizophrenia can have relationships, interests, abilities, and personal goals. A diagnosis describes a health condition; it does not describe a person’s entire identity.
Reducing self-stigma begins with changing the language we use with ourselves. Instead of saying, “I am depressed,” a person can remind themselves, “I am experiencing depression.” Instead of “I am an anxious person who cannot do anything,” they can think, “I am dealing with anxiety, and I am learning ways to manage it.”
Recovery is not only about reducing symptoms. It is also about rebuilding self-respect, confidence, relationships, and hope. Sometimes the hardest stigma to challenge is the one we have already started believing about ourselves.
Illness may be a part of someone’s story, but it does not have to become their identity.
