Archives of the Mind

According to the World Health Organization, one in seven teenagers around the world experiences a mental disorder as of 2025. Even with the prevalence of mental health illnesses and extensive research on its different forms, public stigma and self-stigma continue to persist. In a stage of emotional turbulence, sensitivity, and peer pressure, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion and discrimination. 

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Public stigma includes prejudice, stereotypical beliefs, and negative attitudes that others hold towards people with mental disorders, while self-stigma refers to the internalization of these perspectives against one’s own condition. This could prevent the person from seeking professional help, especially in some Asian cultures where traditional values of emotional restraint and avoiding shame magnifies a person’s reluctance to recognize mental issues.

 

Research has shown that knowing or being in contact with someone who has a mental illness is one of the best ways to reduce stigma. I can testify to that. At the same time, individuals speaking out and sharing their stories can also have a significant positive impact, making these disorders seem less intimidating and encouraging understanding. 

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The brain can get sick just as the body does.