Mental health stigma can really affect how people take care of themselves. It can stop them from focusing on their mental well-being.

According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has a mental illness. But nearly 60% of them don’t ask for help because they’re scared of being judged or discriminated against.

How Stigma Affects Self-Care:

1. Less Seeking Help:

   • Only 37% of people with mental health challenges go to therapy. This is often because of stigma.
   • When people feel stigmatized, they may isolate themselves and not join groups that can support them. Community support is really important for taking care of oneself.

2. Lower Self-Esteem:

   • Stigma can make people feel ashamed about their mental health. About 40% of those who struggle with mental health feel this way, which can make it hard for them to take care of themselves.

3. Less Awareness and Education:

   • A survey from 2019 showed that 87% of people think there is a stigma around mental health. This leads to confusion and a lot of myths about how to take care of mental health the right way.

4. Avoiding Mental Health Resources:

   • Roughly 75% of people with mental health issues won’t talk about their problems. This can stop them from trying helpful self-care activities like therapy, exercise, or mindfulness.

By tackling mental health stigma, we can help people feel more comfortable taking care of themselves. This can lead to better mental health overall.