Stigma & Shame around Counselling.
It can be hard to reach out to a mental health professional if we are suffering psychologically. Society can influence us against making that first move. There can be, for some, a stigma around this. A stigma can be understood as a negative and biased belief that a group may have around a certain issue. This is sometimes adopted by the individual as shame – seeing themselves as weak for needing help or considering themselves to be in some way broken. Layered on top of these feelings could be the perceived challenge of working with a stranger to begin to figure out these vague, unknown feelings. A difficult problem and one that can turn us off the idea of counselling and psychotherapy.
Whilst researching this stigma around seeking help for emotional issues, I discovered that it be culturally viewed as a sign of weakness and can lead to unhealthy distractions i.e. alcohol and substance abuse. This can lead to social and emotional withdrawal from peers. This was especially true for males. Academic papers have shown that for Irish men peer pressure and stigma go hand in hand and act as a hindrance for help seeking. When we reflect on this, maybe, our idea of masculinity might have to challenged – that it is ok to talk amongst peers and professionals about our struggles and issues.
This relational connection with others, whether it be friends or counsellors, can be a way to disarm this stigma and personal shame which has grown heavier the longer we struggle with it on our own. The counselling room can be a place to begin this work and begin to truly comprehend what it is we are grappling with. The safety of this space can be the foundation for true change where we can challenge ourselves, our beliefs and understand the emotions around this. Indeed the individual may use this time to challenge the societal beliefs they may have taken on board that are working against their best interests.
Thanks for reading this short blog. Should you wish contact me, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am accessible through the site, by phone or by email. I am based in Caragh, Naas, Co. Kildare and also work online.
William Dunlea,
Caragh,
Naas,
Co Kildare.