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MAY 2023
5 ways to reduce mental health stigma
Taking control of your mental health is no easy task. The stigma surrounding mental health can be so deeply ingrained in us that we may believe we aren’t allowed to be depressed, anxious or sad. But these feelings are part of the human experience, and we must make room for them.
Being connected to our emotions has the power to positively impact every aspect of our lives. Getting honest with ourselves about the state of our mental health can improve our relationships, and it can help us lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
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How can you help reduce the stigma around mental health?
Talk openly about mental health.
Share your stories about your own mental health challenges. This helps to fight the stigma and normalizes those experiences.
Watch your words.
Be careful how you talk about mental health issues. Don’t use negative words like “crazy” or “insane” in casual conversation.
Understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Recognize that using medication or therapy to manage anxiety or depression is the same as using medication or doctor visits to treat a physical health condition.
Reach out for support.
Don’t be shy about getting mental health support when you need it. Work with a therapist or coach. Use a mental health app to journal or track your moods. Schedule your favorite self-care activity.
Seek out accurate mental health information.
Find dependable resources to debunk mental health myths. Follow organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America.
“My AbleTo* therapist really listened to me and helped me figure out how to move forward. She helped me look at things differently and ask different questions than I had been. And when I was able to see things differently, I was able to react to my problems more constructively, really get myself unstuck and lower my anxiety greatly.”
— Costco employee
*AbleTo is not available in Puerto Rico.
Source: AbleTo. 5 ways to reduce mental health stigma.
Resources for you
- Resources For Living® (RFL®)* includes myStrength interactive tools for help dealing with anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Or you and members of your household can access six no-cost counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. Visit RFL or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
- AbleTo provides virtual behavioral health care to help support your mental well-being needs. Their providers deliver structured, evidence-based treatment grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy. AbleTo provides a range of programs for managing stress, anxiety, depression and more. To learn more, visit AbleTo.com/Costco.
- Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also call or text for someone else who may need immediate help.
- *Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
- Resources For Living® (RFL®)* includes myStrength interactive tools for help dealing with anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Or you and members of your household can access six no-cost counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. Visit RFL or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
- Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also call or text for someone else who may need immediate help.
- *Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.
- Resources For Living® (RFL®)* includes myStrength interactive tools for help dealing with anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. Or you and members of your household can access six no-cost counseling sessions with in-person, televideo and chat options. Visit RFL or call 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
- AbleTo provides virtual behavioral health care to help support your mental well-being needs. Their providers deliver structured, evidence-based treatment grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy. AbleTo provides a range of programs for managing stress, anxiety, depression and more. To learn more, visit AbleTo.com/Costco.
- Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also call or text for someone else who may need immediate help.
- *Resources For Living is available to all employees and members of their household, including children up to age 26 living away from home.