Breaking the Stigma: Why Seeking Treatment for Mental Health is a Sign of Strength

The stigma around mental health still exists. It’s crucial that we continue to challenge it, starting with the understanding of the strength it takes to seek help.

When I finally decided to ask for help, I feared it was too late.

For months, I had struggled with severe anxiety, coupled with unending despair. I knew I was suffering from depression – I had watched my mom battle it for years – but felt terrified at the prospect of anyone finding out. Pushing through it seemed to be the safer option.

That is, until the depression got so intense that I couldn’t take it any longer. The problem was that I couldn’t find the strength to get out of bed, let alone find a mental health professional, make an appointment, and actually show up.

Only then, aware I had no other options, did I pick up the phone and call my mom.

Why is There a Stigma Around Mental Health Treatment?

If you strip away our societal context, the stigma around mental health treatment appears absurd. What could be bad about seeing a professional when you’re suffering from an illness? There’s no stigma around seeing a specialist when you break your leg.

However, for most of human history, humanity has misunderstood mental illness. Without knowing about its underlying causes, people assumed it was a weakness. They believed that it was a sign of strength to just ‘get over it.’

In theory, after more than two hundred years of the existence of psychiatry, that should have changed. But, unfortunately, while there is much less stigma than there used to be, many people still see mental illness as a shameful weakness.

What’s causing the disconnect? Raising awareness of the reality of mental health is not as easy as one might expect due to widespread social expectations and beliefs. This is especially true in a country which rewards and glamorizes the idea of ‘pulling up your bootstrings,’ working endless hours at the expense of personal wellbeing.

What Part Does Demographics Play?

The stigma surrounding mental health is not monolithic. Rather, its impact often differs among diverse groups of people.

Men are less likely to seek treatment, believing they have to be ‘strong.’ This is one reason why suicide rates are higher among men than among women, even though far fewer men are diagnosed with mental illness.

Some cultures have less experience with mental health treatment and therefore may not trust it. In certain religious communities, belief systems play a part in creating a taboo around the subject.

Access also has a significant role. In urban areas, with high concentrations of mental health professionals, there is less stigma as everyone knows at least one person who has sought treatment. In small towns with few therapists, on the other hand, it is possible to believe that you’re the only person struggling with mental health issues.

How is Seeking Treatment a Sign of Strength?

Out of a desire to show strength, many people try to somehow push through mental illness on their own. They fear that seeking treatment will prove they are not able to carry the burden alone. But this has nothing to do with strength.

Imagine your car gets stuck in the mud. Instead of calling a tow-truck for assistance, you get behind it and push. You end up covered in mud, exhausted, and no closer to getting your car unstuck. No one would consider this a sign of strength no matter how much effort you put into it!

In the same way, trying to overcome mental illness with brute force is not just futile but also counterproductive. You’re not showing strength but simply choosing to put yourself through more pain and suffering.

Seeking mental health treatment, on the other hand, is a huge sign of strength. While the stigma around mental health may seem like an abstract concept, it holds tremendous power over people. I am not the only person who has endured immense suffering because I was scared of asking for help.

Not getting help is the path of least resistance. It feels terrible, but it takes no actual effort. On the other hand, making the decision to get treatment takes great courage. It is a huge step in pursuit of a better life – but one that many people never take.

What is Mental Health Treatment?

Something that adds to the difficulty in getting mental health treatment is that many people don’t know what it entails. There are many misconceptions about mental health in general and what treatment looks like.

The good news is that treatment for mental illness in 2025 is more effective than ever. There are multiple paths towards healing, whether you see a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, or enter a clinic for a holistic recovery.

In this blog, we will be discussing all things mental health, including the ins-and-outs of various mental illnesses. We will place an emphasis on practical advice for finding a way forward.

If you are ready to seek mental health treatment in an idyllic environment, get in touch with Seasons Beach Cottage today.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, please reach out immediately to a suicide prevention hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Support is available 24/7, and speaking with a trained counselor can provide immediate assistance and guidance. You are not alone, and help is available.