Under the Hood
Why Stigma Can Become a Barrier to Support
This may seem obvious, but sometimes the obvious still needs to be said:
Judgment does not help people.
Shame does not improve outcomes.
And stigma does not make difficult situations easier for families to navigate.
In fact, research consistently shows the opposite.
Multiple studies and organizations—including the Canadian Mental Health Association, the CDC, the American Psychiatric Association, and other researchers studying stigma and healthcare—have found that fear of judgment can actually prevent people from asking questions, seeking help, or accessing support services.
So, in plain English:
When people feel judged, they are often less likely to reach out.
The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that 60% of people experiencing mental health challenges may avoid seeking help because they are afraid of being labelled or judged.
Other research has found similar patterns.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that stigma can delay people from seeking care—or stop them from continuing treatment altogether. Studies have also shown that people are less likely to ask questions, access services, or stay connected to support systems when they fear criticism, blame, or discrimination.
This matters in many areas of life, including FASD.
For some individuals and families, stigma can create fear around:
asking questions
discussing alcohol use during pregnancy
seeking assessments or diagnoses
accessing parenting support
talking openly with healthcare professionals
advocating for accommodations
Sometimes people worry they will be blamed instead of supported.
And unfortunately, judgment does not improve outcomes.
Research has shown that stigma within healthcare systems can also create barriers to quality care. When people feel dismissed, misunderstood, or judged during appointments or interactions, trust can break down quickly.
Supportive environments tend to work better.
When people feel emotionally safe, they are more likely to:
ask questions
engage with services
return for follow-up support
build trusting relationships
seek help earlier
This is one reason why relationship-based and trauma-informed approaches are so important.
Compassion does not remove accountability.
But it does create space for honesty, learning, growth, and connection.
At FFAS, we believe understanding creates better outcomes than shame. When communities focus on support instead of assumptions, people are more likely to access the help, information, and relationships they need to move forward.
Sources:
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) states that “60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labelled.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that stigma can “prevent or delay people from seeking care or cause them to discontinue treatment.”
Research published in SAGE Journals found that stigma within healthcare systems can create major barriers to accessing treatment and quality care.
The American Psychiatric Association also reports that many people avoid or delay treatment because of concerns about judgment, stigma, and discrimination.
