Stigma
False beliefs and stigma about mental illness can cause significant problems. Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that is thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype).
Stigma can lead to discrimination which may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about mental illness or treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as avoiding someone because the person assumes they could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to their mental illness. An individual with a mental illness may even judge themselves.
Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:
Reluctance to seek help or treatment
Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others
Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing
Bullying, physical violence or harassment
Health insurance that does not adequately cover mental illness treatment
The belief that the individual will never succeed at certain challenges or that they cannot improve their situation
Here are some ways to deal with stigma:
Get treatment. Do not let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help
Do not let stigma create self-doubt and shame. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you.
Do not isolate yourself. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.
Do not equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness.
Join a support group. Some local and national groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offer local programs and internet resources that help by educating people who have mental illness, their families and the general public. Some state and federal agencies and programs, such as those that focus on vocational rehabilitation and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), also offer support.
Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law and educators are required to accommodate students as best they can. If a teacher does not know about a student's disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.
Speak out against stigma. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.
Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.
