Stigma & Counseling

Despite mental health issues becoming more problematic and widespread throughout the world, there is still a stigma surrounding counseling.  I have had a great number of clients who come to counseling and say that their spouses, families, and friends have no idea that they are there and that they would like to keep it that way. 

It is interesting to me that someone could reach out for help to make their life better rather than turning to drugs, alcohol, or reckless behavior to get rid of the pain, and their social sphere would rather criticize and ridicule than affirm and encourage them.

Mental health issues are similar to other problems in life in that we need to seek help when we are in pain.  If your best friend was diagnosed with lung cancer, would you shame them for going to the doctor and not being strong enough to handle it on their own?  Would you tell them, “Try harder!”  What about, “If you just changed your attitude this would go away.”  These are exact words I’ve heard said to people struggling with severe depression. 

We need to make a better effort to encourage those that struggle, even ourselves, to seek out mental health services.  Seeking out counseling is not a sign that a person’s faith is not strong enough, prayer too infrequent, or character too weak. 

Please, if someone you know is seeking or already in counseling, support them.  Encourage them.  Most of all, pray for them.