Fight Mental Health Stigma

Definition of Mental Health

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well‑being. It influences how we think, feel, and act; how we cope with stress; how we relate to others; and how we make choices. More than simply the absence of illness, mental health is a vital component of overall health and well‑being, enabling us to realize our abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to our communities.

why stigma matters

 Mental‑health stigma isn’t just hurtful—it can be deadly. When people internalize or encounter negative beliefs about mental illness, they are less likely to seek help, more likely to suffer in silence, and face lower self‑esteem. Stigma erects barriers to employment, housing, education, and community participation, and in the extreme can lead to tragic outcomes, including self‑harm or suicide.

The 3 Types of Stigmas

Self Stigma
Self-stigma refers to the negative attitudes and internalized shame that individuals with mental illness may have about themselves. These beliefs often stem from societal stereotypes and can be deeply damaging.
Someone may believe they are dangerous, incompetent, or to blame for their struggles. These thoughts can lead to reduced self-esteem and self-efficacy, resulting in thoughts like, “Why try? Someone like me isn’t worthy. I can’t work, live independently, or be healthy.”


In March 2025, Russell Belt, an automation manager at Codale Electric Supply, shared his experience during the dedication of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center in South Salt Lake. Despite being a successful professional, Belt struggled to seek help due to internal shame and fear of judgment. His experience underscores how self-stigma can delay treatment, even during a crisis.
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Public Stigma
Public stigma involves negative or discriminatory attitudes that others hold toward people with mental illness. These views are shaped by misconceptions and stereotypes.
Others may believe that individuals with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, unpredictable, or personally responsible for their condition. These prejudices contribute to social exclusion and discrimination.


In 2020, a 13-year-old autistic boy was seriously injured when shot by police in Salt Lake City. His mother had called for help to take him to the hospital. As the unarmed boy ran away, an officer opened fire. Police later stated the boy was suspected of having “made threats” with a weapon—yet no weapon was found. This tragic case illustrates how public stigma and misunderstanding can escalate to violence.
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Structural Stigma
Structural stigma refers to systemic inequalities—such as laws, policies, or institutional practices—that restrict the rights and opportunities of people with mental illness.
Disparities in funding, reduced access to care, and limited mental health services—especially in comparison to other types of health care—are common forms of structural stigma.


In Utah, rural areas face significant shortages in mental health care providers compared to urban regions. A 2021 study found that most rural counties had far fewer professionals per capita, limiting access and increasing untreated conditions like depression. This disparity contributes to elevated suicide rates. In response, initiatives like the Utah Behavioral Health Master Plan aim to close these gaps, but long-term success depends on sustained investment and removing systemic barriers.
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impacts of stigma

Personal Impact: Internalized stigma can make someone reluctant to seek help or treatment, fostering a belief that they can never improve or succeed.

Social Impact: Public stigma manifests as social exclusion—fewer opportunities for work, school, or social activities, difficulty finding housing, and strained relationships with family or friends.

Systemic Impact: Structural stigma shows up when insurance won’t cover necessary treatment, mental‑health services are underfunded, or policies fail to accommodate mental‑health needs.

personal impact

Internalized stigma can make someone reluctant to seek help or treatment, fostering a belief that they can never improve or succeed.

social impact

Public stigma manifests as social exclusion—fewer opportunities for work, school, or social activities, difficulty finding housing, and strained relationships with family or friends.

Systemic impact

Structural stigma shows up when insurance won’t cover necessary treatment, mental‑health services are underfunded, or policies fail to accommodate mental‑health needs.

The Reality in Utah

Suicide Rate

Since 2000, the national suicide rate has risen by 37 percent.

As of 2022, Utah ranks 7th among the U.S. states for its suicide rate, highlighting an urgent need for better prevention and support services.

Utah Ranks 4th highest for adults with serious thoughts of suicide

Utah ranks 3rd highest for adults with serious mental illness

Utah ranks 11th highest for share of adults with any mental illness

Youth in Utah

In 2023, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Utahns aged 10-17, with 696 deaths caused by suicide.

Over the last 10 years, the share of young adults in Utah with poor mental health has more than doubled.

How You Can Help

Individual Actions

  • Talk openly about mental health – use plain language and be willing to share your own experiences.
  • Be mindful of language – avoid terms that imply weakness or blame; treat mental illness with the same respect as physical illness.
  • Show compassion – offer sympathy rather than judgement.
  • Normalize treatment – speak positively about therapy and medication as valid health-care choices.

Community and Volunteering

  • Volunteer with local organizations like Wasatch Behavioral Health.
  • Educate peers, schools, and workplaces about mental-health stigma and how to reduce it.

Policy and Advocacy

  • Advocate for increased funding for mental-health research and services.
  • Push institutions to adopt anti-stigma policies and ensure insurance parity between physical and mental health.

self care and personal well-being

What is Self‑Care? 💖

Self‑care means intentionally taking actions to preserve or improve one’s health and well‑being—physical, emotional, mental, and social.

Key Aspects

  • ✨ Holistic: Goes beyond spa days to address deeper needs like purpose and connection.
  • ✨ Proactive: A regular practice, not just crisis management.
  • ✨ Individualized: Tailored to personal preferences and life circumstances.

Practical Practices

  • 🏃‍♀️ Physical
    • Aim for 7‑9 hours of sleep nightly.
    • Eat balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
    • Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
    • Stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene.
  • 💞 Emotional
    • Set healthy boundaries.
    • Express feelings through journaling or conversation.
    • Practice mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.
  • 🧠 Mental
    • Challenge negative thoughts; set realistic goals.
    • Take breaks from screens and engage in mentally stimulating hobbies.
  • 🤝 Social
    • Nurture supportive relationships.
    • Say no when you need rest or space.

Community and Volunteering 🤲

  • Volunteer with local organizations like Wasatch Behavioral Health.
  • Educate peers, schools, and workplaces about mental‑health stigma and how to reduce it.

Evidence‑Based Improvement Strategies 📌

  • Prioritize Self‑Care
    • Exercise releases mood‑boosting endorphins.
    • A nutritious diet supports energy and mental clarity.
    • Consistent sleep enhances emotional regulation.
    • Relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, deep breathing) foster calm.
  • Foster Healthy Relationships
    • Make time for meaningful connections.
    • Set boundaries to protect your well‑being.
    • Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when in need.
  • Manage Stress Effectively
    • Identify and minimize personal stressors.
    • Practice stress‑reduction activities like nature walks or hobbies.
    • Cultivate gratitude and positive self‑talk.
  • Seek Professional Help
    • Therapy: Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT) and other modalities can offer tools for coping.
    • Medication: Consult a psychiatrist if medication may be beneficial.

our community partner: Wasatch Behavioral Health

Wasatch Behavioural Health (WBH) is the oldest community mental health center in Utah, serving for over 50 years. WBH is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through a wide range of services, including counseling, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and community outreach programs. Their mission is to improve, enhance, and positively impact the well-being, recovery, and quality of life of individuals who experience mental illness or a behavioral disability. Through their programs, WBH serves over 13,000 people a year, helping Utah and Wasatch county residents access critical support and resources, regardless of income or insurance status. 


Want more information? Read their flyer or visit their homepage here: 


Wasatch Behavioral Health offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer, check them out or get started here:

How You can Help:

Resources

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SLCC Student?

Who we are

We are students at Salt Lake Community College enrolled in Professor Wendell Nielson’s English 2010 Community Engaged Learning course. Our team includes Mark Timpson, Maryam Qasim, Tia Lloyd, Hadyn Stockwell, Larina Denison, and Elijah Anica. This website is part of our Public Service Announcement project, focused on raising awareness and fighting the stigma surrounding mental health.

How we shared our message

To spread awareness, we printed and displayed posters across SLCC campuses with faculty-approved designs that followed SLCC poster guidelines. We also placed posters in local coffee shops to reach a broader audience. In addition, we introduced our website to classmates and visitors during our PSA presentation. Finally, we encourage everyone to help amplify the message by sharing it with others who might benefit.

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