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

Abstract

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 (M_age = 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.