The Rock & Roll Shrink Radio Show Ep. 62 - The Stigma of Mental Health Labels

In our last show, we discussed shame and stigma being used as a means to discipline children. Now, we want to discuss the passive use of shame and stigma around mental health pathologies and diagnoses.

Our society has a love-hate relationship with labels in general. Tonight, I’d like to discuss that in a mental health and pathological setting, as well as discuss ways to improve this situation.

Many people mistreat labels and use them to shame or lower others. This is a real and valid concern, which we will discuss. On the other hand, labels used as intended can save us a great deal of time and misunderstanding, provided that the majority of society, or in this specific case the mental health community, more or less agree on the meaning of those labels and uses them consistently.

Mental health labels do run a risk of harassment and stigma, and it is for this reason that both children and adults are often so averse to labels going on their official medical records, or those of their kids.

There is also a distinct link between real or imagined stigma in mental health patients choosing to pursue diagnosis and treatment.

Tonight, we will discuss:

• The Use of Labels in Mental Health
• The Psychology of Stigmatizing Labels (Why We Do This)
• The Damage of Stigma and Shame Over Labels & How to Cope

We'll start off the evening with some topic-relevant Classic Rock played by Dr. Mathis, followed by Classic Rock trivia, in "The Rock & Roll Shrink Recalls," followed by our topic discussion. 

Please follow our bi-weekly, Wednesday evening shows, at 11 pm EST/EDT. We will have a new topic for you in two weeks!