Self-stigma refers to the degree of self-concurrence with negative stereotypes of mental illness and the extent to which these self-stigmatizing thoughts routinely emerge in everyday life. Self-stigma can occur unconsciously, uncontrollably, involuntarily, or efficiently. An unconscious way is when an individual has self-stigmatizing thoughts without being aware of them. One effective way is when an individual uses minimal attention to have self-stigmatizing thoughts. An involuntary way is when the individual does not need to have self-stigmatizing thoughts but has them anyway. Finally, an uncontrollable way is when the individual has difficulty trying to get rid of self-stigmatizing thoughts. If an individual cannot manage their self-stigma well, this leads to even more frequent self-stigmatizing thoughts. This can lead to self-stigmatizing thoughts becoming a mental habit. This means that self-stigmatizing thoughts become more repetitive and automatic. Not only can self-stigmatizing thoughts become a mental habit, but they can also lead to avoidance of labels. Label avoidance has to do with the reluctance to experience these stigmatizing thoughts and the intentional attempt to avoid them. However, avoiding labels can actually make self-stigma even worse. Avoiding labels can actually increase the frequency of your thoughts. This can eventually lead to habituation