Strategies to overcome mental health stigma: Insights and recommendations from young people with major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Published in: Brain and behavior 2024-09, Vol.14 (9), p.e70028-n/a
• Main Authors: Prizeman, Katie, Weinstein, Netta, McCabe, Ciara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Child development; clinical depression; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Disclosure; Female; Humans; Loneliness; Loneliness - psychology; Male; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental Health; Original; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; recommendations; Social isolation; Social Isolation - psychology; Social Stigma; Social support; Stereotypes; Stigma; Young Adult; Young adults; young people
• ISSN: 2162-3279; 2162-3279
• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70028

Background Young people with depression are met with stigma related to their mental health, which exacerbates loneliness, social isolation, and depression symptoms. While disclosing depression could improve one's mental health, stigma can also make social interactions more challenging and reduce the likelihood of receiving treatment. This research explored young people's experiences with stigma and recommendations for addressing it. Methods Semi‐structured interviews conducted with N = 35 young people aged 18–25 years (Mage = 20.09) were analyzed with thematic analysis. Participants met the criteria for clinical depression using the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (score >27) or had recently obtained a medical diagnosis (N = 18) of depression by a medical professional. Results Participants faced stigma when deciding to disclose their depression, which fed into a vicious cycle influencing feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and withdrawal. Their recommendations for others to avoid this cycle can be summarized under three main themes: (1) Social affirmation: identify allies and build meaningful connections; (2) Self‐affirmation: build a constructive relationship with the self; and (3) Societal affirmation: structural changes are needed. Conclusions The current research indicates that social, self‐, and societal affirmation are considered important for reducing the detrimental impacts of stigma. Policies and programs are needed that provide mental health support to young people, and public awareness campaigns that guide young people to appropriate resources (i.e., support and intervention) via governmental public health bodies. Stigma among depressed young people worsens loneliness, isolation, and symptoms, hindering social interactions and treatment. To break this cycle, 35 participant interviews recommended three forms of affirmation: social, self‐, and societal affirmation. Public awareness campaigns, policies, and programs supporting mental health are crucial to guiding young people to appropriate resources.