Fighting stigma: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
By Stacy Parmer, Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program director
Take a moment to reflect on what thoughts or assumptions come to mind when you hear the phrase "mental health issues.” What are your own experiences and perceptions?
Stigma is an attitude or judgement we make when we don’t fully understand a condition or situation, so we fill in the gaps with negative assumptions. These negative assumptions can lead to fear, and the fear of judgement is a powerful deterrent that can prevent people from reaching out for help.
Below are some common examples of the stigma surrounding mental health, substance use, and even the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program:
— People with mental health or substance use issues are often seen as weak or incapable.
— If I seek help from MOLAP, it could negatively impact my career.
— I have confidentiality and trust concerns.
— MOLAP is only for substance use concerns.
— I am worried about how others will perceive me.
Years ago, I facilitated a family program for an intensive outpatient therapy group and a mother was discussing how difficult it was for their family when their son was hospitalized for bipolar disorder, typically because his medications stopped working and needed to be adjusted.
“Mental illness is not a casserole illness,” she said. “If my son were hospitalized for a heart attack or a broken foot, friends would call and line up to bring casseroles over for the family. Not once, throughout the years when he has been hospitalized, did anyone ever reach out to see if we needed anything.”
Her statements highlight the stigma and fear that surrounds mental health. Many people are uncomfortable talking about mental health and substance use because they don’t understand it, and we fear what we don’t understand. You can see physical illnesses, like a broken foot. You notice the person’s cast, and often, you may even sign it. You can’t see bipolar disorder or depression because people don’t walk around with a cast on their heads. Maybe if they did, others would be more empathetic and understanding.
Among lawyers, 28% have experienced symptoms of depression, 19% of anxiety, and 23% of stress, and they have a higher rate of problematic drinking than other professionals, according to a 2016 Journal of Addiction Medicine study. Yet, despite these statistics, stigma causes many to remain silent and avoid reaching out for help, fearing a potential negative impact on their careers, judgment from their peers or potential clients, and even the larger legal community.
Stigma surrounding mental health and substance use can be tackled through education and awareness. By sharing your stories, experiences, and insights, you create a culture of support, understanding, and acceptance, bringing your metaphorical casserole to the table. Open discussions about mental health can empower lawyers to seek help without fear of being judged. We encourage you to reach out to MOLAP to share your story, either through a well-being CLE, a blog post, or as a peer volunteer. For example, check out this conversation between lawyers Tara Moreland and John Gunn.
MOLAP strives to reduce stigma and offers confidential resources at no-cost to bar members, their families, and law students. Call 1-800-688-7859 for more information. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength and hope.