As a 40-year-old woman with multiple family members struggling with mental health challenges, I’ve seen the effects of stigma up close. It’s heartbreaking, frustrating, and all too common. Even today, when we’ve supposedly made progress in understanding mental health, the stigma is alive and well. It’s there in the whispered conversations, the shame-filled glances, and the silence that surrounds the words “depression” and “anxiety.”

Let me share a story about a friend of mine—let’s call him Mark. Mark is in his late 30s, a successful professional with a good sense of humor and a heart of gold. You’d never know he battles anxiety and depression unless he told you, and even then, it’s not something he’s entirely open about.

Mark recently confided that he’s been taking Lexapro for anxiety. But here’s the kicker—he doesn’t take it every day. Why? Because he’s afraid to admit, even to himself, that he’s struggling. He’s terrified of telling his parents, worried they’ll judge him or see him as weak. The stigma has him trapped, and it’s keeping him from fully embracing the help he needs.

The Roots of Stigma

The stigma around mental health doesn’t come from anywhere. It’s baked into our culture. For decades, we’ve been taught that emotions like sadness, fear, or anger are weaknesses to suppress. The message has always been: “Toughen up,” “Get over it,” or “Don’t air your dirty laundry.” For men like Mark, the expectations are even harsher—stoicism and strength are the “norm,” and seeking help is seen as admitting defeat.

For families like mine, where multiple members struggle with depression, anxiety, and even more severe conditions, the stigma can feel suffocating. My mother, for example, battled depression for years without saying a word about it. She believed therapy was for “other people,” not for someone who needed to “keep it together” for her family.

As a result, her pain often manifested in anger or withdrawal, and none of us really understood what was happening until much later. Imagine how different things might have been if she had felt safe enough to say, “I’m struggling.”

Why We Need to Talk About It

Talking about mental health openly is one of the most powerful ways to break the stigma. When we share our stories, we normalize the experience of struggling and seeking help. We make it okay to say, “I’m not okay.”

Here’s what happens when we open up:

1. We Foster Understanding
   Mental health challenges are often invisible, but talking about them sheds light on what they really look like. It helps people understand that depression isn’t just “feeling sad” and anxiety isn’t just “worrying too much.”

2. We Build Connection
   When you share your story, you might be surprised at how many people say, “Me too.” There’s power in knowing you’re not alone and in creating a community of support.

3. We Inspire Action
   Open conversations can encourage others to seek help, whether that’s through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. When we normalize these tools, we pave the way for healing.

4. We Change the Narrative
   Stigma thrives in silence, but talking breaks that silence. It challenges outdated beliefs and replaces them with compassion, acceptance, and understanding.

My Opinion: It's Time to Lead with Empathy

The truth is, the stigma won’t disappear overnight. It takes all of us, step by step, to challenge it. We need to create spaces where vulnerability is celebrated, not shamed. That starts with empathy.

Instead of judging someone for taking medication, let’s applaud them for taking a step toward wellness. Instead of assuming therapy is for the “broken,” let’s recognize it as a tool for growth and self-care. Instead of dismissing someone’s struggles with “it’s all in your head,” let’s sit with them, listen, and say, “I’m here for you.”

For people like Mark, who feel the weight of stigma every time they reach for their Lexapro bottle, conversations matter. The more we talk, the easier it becomes for the next person to ask for help—or to simply admit, “I’m struggling.”

A Call to Action

If you’re reading this and feel the same way, I encourage you to start talking. Share your story with someone you trust. Start a conversation at work, at school, or with your family. Use your voice to challenge stigma whenever you hear it.

And if you’re someone who’s not sure how to respond when others open up, start with kindness. A simple “Thank you for sharing that with me” can make a world of difference.

We all have a role to play in breaking the stigma. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about showing up, being real, and leading with love.

Let’s build a world where people like Mark, my mom, and countless others don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s make it okay to not be okay. And most importantly, let’s make it okay to talk about it.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait. Reach out to a mental health professional or call a crisis helpline. For resources, visit our Emergency Resources page.