MOUNT VERNON — The stigma surrounding behavioral health concerns creates barriers to treatment and employment. In many cases, it creates a barrier to one’s overall quality of life.
Stigma is a shared negative opinion or perception about behavioral health concerns and those who experience them.
Approximately one in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, according to the National Council on Aging. Many people go untreated.
Globally, 45 percent of individuals who need behavioral health care do not receive it. This is often due to the stigma, as well as cost and lack of providers.
According to “The Latest Mental Health Statistics: What the Numbers Say About Our Minds in 2024,” dated Aug. 13, 75 percent of employees say they have experienced burnout. This highlights the need for behavioral health initiatives in workplaces.
Rather than viewing behavioral health issues as a character flaw or something that a person can “get over,” the community needs to come together to support these individuals and make space for healing and recovery.
“The negative stigma makes people feel trapped, as if there’s nowhere to turn for support and assistance,” said Zach Green, Knox County health commissioner.
Burnout is a wake-up call before anxiety, depression, and a probable drop in performance set in.
“If we continue to glorify working long hours as ‘dedication,’ the daily ‘grind’ can take a significant toll on employees. This ultimately leads to a rapid decline in their performance,” Green said.
Addressing the stigma
What can be done to address this? Managers and HR professionals, for example, can have honest conversations about changing perceptions in the workplace.
In addition, workplaces are encouraged to develop policies that prioritize well-being; policies that treat behavioral health concerns just as they would any other illness, such as cancer.
Instead of encouraging an employee to ‘hang tough’ when they mention burnout, encourage them to seek treatment, refer them to sources for care, and provide flexible schedules and other accommodations.
It’s time to work together as a community to fight the stigma, to normalize behavioral health concerns, and realize that it’s not “out there.” It is here, and it affects all of us.
If you or a loved one is struggling with behavioral health concerns, call 988 for help or call 211 for community resources. Both numbers are staffed 24/7.
The Knox Health Planning Partnership (KHPP) focuses on reducing the stigma around behavioral health and providing resources for everyone. This initiative is the result of data gathered during community health forums. Click here to learn more about KHPP.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.