In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), addressing help-seeking stigma is crucial for fostering inclusive environments where individuals feel safe to seek support without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Definition:
Help-Seeking Stigma refers to the negative perception or judgment individuals face when seeking assistance for personal, mental, or professional challenges. This stigma can deter people from accessing necessary support due to fears of being labeled as weak, incapable, or less competent.
Understanding Help-Seeking Stigma:
Help-seeking stigma stems from societal norms and cultural beliefs that value independence and resilience while viewing vulnerability as a weakness. This mindset disproportionately affects individuals from marginalised groups, who may already face systemic barriers and biases.
Example:
Consider an LGBTQ+ employee experiencing workplace stress due to microaggressions. They hesitate to access the company’s mental health resources, fearing their concerns will not be taken seriously or that seeking help might expose their identity. This scenario highlights how stigma can prevent individuals from accessing critical support systems, reinforcing inequities.
Conclusion:
Help-Seeking Stigma poses a significant barrier to achieving true inclusivity within organizations and communities. By addressing this stigma through education, support, and cultural change, DEI initiatives can create environments where everyone feels empowered to seek help without fear. Breaking the silence around help-seeking is not just a step toward equity but a commitment to fostering a culture where every individual can thrive.
References:
Kulesza, M., Pedersen, E. R., Corrigan, P. W., & Marshall, G. N. (2015). Help-seeking stigma and mental health treatment seeking among young adult veterans. Military behavioral health, 3(4), 230-239. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21635781.2015.1055866
Cornish, M. A., Brenner, R. E., Vogel, D. L., & Wade, N. G. (2019). Evaluation of an online help seeking stigma-reduction intervention for military personnel. Stigma and Health, 4(4), 480. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-06893-001
Heath, P. J., Seidman, A. J., Vogel, D. L., Cornish, M. A., & Wade, N. G. (2017). Help-seeking stigma among men in the military: The interaction of restrictive emotionality and distress. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 18(3), 193. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-23571-001
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