{"id":2465,"date":"2024-05-16T10:34:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T08:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/complicated.life\/blog\/?p=2465"},"modified":"2025-09-23T16:25:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T14:25:29","slug":"owning-overcoming-internalised-stigma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/complicated.life\/blog\/owning-overcoming-internalised-stigma\/","title":{"rendered":"Owning & Overcoming Internalised Stigma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. That means we’re doubling down on raising awareness about mental health conditions<\/a> and on addressing the more subtle aspects of mental health stigma<\/em>. One of the most challenging forms is internalised stigma<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Self-stigmas or internalised stigmas are the judgments and negative evaluations we hold about ourselves. They are psychological in that they affect how we feel and our
behavior, and they are existential in that they influence whether we think we, or even life itself, have meaning and purpose.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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When we constantly read about worst-case scenarios<\/em> or focus on the stigmas associated with our conditions, we may start to believe these negative perceptions about ourselves. This self-stigmatisation can stem not only from our own research down the proverbial rabbit holes of the internet but also from a multitude of other sources: take the well-meaning but misinformed friend who might unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes or offer misguided advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking steps to recognise our self limiting beliefs about our own mental health will be doing a huge service to your future self. This article will provide you with strategies to avoid alienating yourself from your most important ally: yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can’t I just be normal like everyone else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Internalised stigma happens when we accept and believe negative stereotypes about ourselves due to our mental health conditions. These stereotypes might include beliefs that we are weak, dangerous, or incapable of recovery. This self-stigmatisation can manifest in feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, making it even more challenging to seek treatment and support. Over time, internalised stigma can worsen our mental health, creating a cycle of declining well-being and increased stigma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workbook recommendation: Identifying, Deconstructing, and Reducing Stigma<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I know if I’m stigmatising my mental health condition?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recognising internalised stigma in ourselves can be difficult, but there are several signs to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n