One of the “Purple Hat Ladies” believes that Vicki would hide the fact that she was depressed because she’d be ashamed of the fact. (p. 141) Do you feel that she’s correct and that there’s a stigma associated with depression? Do you think this has changed over the years?
1 Like
There definitely is a stigma against mental illness because most people view it as a weakness and don’t understand the value of short-term counseling or therapy. Many people hold in their depression and won’t or can’t share their inner selves. Then again many people don’t have insight abilities to work in their personal issues. It’s a double edged sword.
I agree. Depression, in general, can be a hard concept for some people to grasp. So many people tell the struggling individual to “just get over it” or that they should “decide to be happy.” That’s particularly true if there’s no precipitating event, like the loss of a partner or job.
I think there is less stigma about depression than 20 years ago. The purple hat ladies may not have kept up with the times. Anyone who recognizes that they are depressed should not be ashamed to look for help.
I do think there is a stigma attached to depression. But I also agree with the idea that there is less stigma now than there used to be.
There has always been a stigma about mental health. We are getting better about this however it is still there. No one should be ashamed by their depression. But in this country, there are still people who choose to belittle folks in this state. We should be more compassionate and work to have mental health parity that matches physical health. Well our health system needs reform as well but that’s another story 
I also think that there is still a stigma associated with depression. Even so, I think that the stigma has softened somewhat. There is a lot of education and understanding still needed for people of all ages.
There’s absolutely a stigma associated with depression and mental health The stigma is more prevalent among older people than younger ones. People in Vickie’s age range tend to hide their mental health struggles because that is what they were taught to do. Mental health is talked about more openly today than ever before and because of that, people are more likely to seek help when it’s needed. However, even with attitudes about mental health being more open, many people still hide their struggles. This is more prevalent among older people and certain cultural groups.
There is a stigma about depression. I think it’s more prevalent in a successful social group.
I know so many people including my oldest son that suffer from depression. I believe it is something that should not be hidden and no one should be ashamed. It is an illness and people need medication and a good therapist and lots of understanding and love.
Sadly, there is still stigma, although it is probably much better than it was in the past. At least we don’t institutionalize every sad person (especially women) as we used to.
Sadly, I have to agree with the commenters above that there is still a stigma attached to admitting and seeking help for mental health issues, depression included. When I read that section, I found myself nodding and thinking how unfortunate it is that so many pepole still avoid seeking help to avoid both stigma and criticism.
Great question! I do think the stigma has dissipated over the years, but the older generation is still stuck in the mindset that it’s taboo to admit OR accept depression.
Bravo Anne, I so agree. I feel our younger people today are not afraid of seeking help and are willing to be up front with their journey. When I was younger, it was swept under the rug and families keep it a secret. Very few would have admitted to having visited a therapist? And if so, it was often publicly not known. If questioned, people’s reaction and accepted norm was . . '“My goodness, if I did, I certainly would not be going around and broadcasting to others” Thank goodness, at present there seems to be less of this sort of reaction to depression.
I can definitely see this being true, especially with their generation. Although it has been more acceptable to talk about one’s depression and to seek help for it, for the older people it still tends to be a taboo subject, unfortunately.
I went through a bout of depression and was very ashamed and confused at the time. Someone close to me was going through it and I said you are definitely in a better time to go through this. People are more open and there is a lot more help for you now. (although I would wish it on no one)
Like others, I do think there’s a stigma associated with depression and other mental health issues. This is certainly true in Vicki’s generation (which is my own generation), and even more true among people older than Vicki. I’m fortunate to work with young people (college students), and many of them are more open about depression and other mental health challenges than my generation is. They’re also more willing to get help. However, even in this younger age group, some people are very reluctant to admit to depression, to seek help, or to tell their parents and friends that they’re struggling. So even though attitudes are changing, there is still a significant element of stigma around depression. Like others, I think that the more we can do to educate the public about depression and about the benefits of treatment (and to make high-quality treatment accessible to all).
There is defintely a stigma around the subject of depression. I am married to a person whose culture doesn’t believe or really talk about mental health. And that’s hard because I suffer from several types of mental health issues. I think there are so many people who are afraid to reach out when they really need help because they fear they will be labeled as “crazy.” So many don’t get the right treatment because of this stigma and it’s very sad because without treatment, things aren’t going to get better, only worse.
I agree.There is a stigma with all the hidden illnesses, Mental illnesses is perceived as a character flaw,
I think it is accredit to the world that younger people do not see it they way we once did. We are learning b
I