What is Stigma? Why is it a Problem?
Stigma
is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because
they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling
of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal
place, confusing feeling bad with being bad.
Navigating
life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and
secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to
reaching out, getting needed support and living well. Learning how to avoid and
address stigma are important for all of us, especially when you realize
stigma’s effects:
People
experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and
discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more
difficult.
Mental
health conditions are the leading cause of disability across the United States.
Even
though most people can be successfully treated, less than half of the adults in
the U.S. who need services and treatment get the help they need.
The
average delay between the onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years.
Suicide
is the second leading cause of death of youth ages 15-24 and the tenth leading
cause of death for all Americans.
CureStigma
One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions.
Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of
shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and
treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to
change it.
Stigma prevents people from seeking help. And in some cases,
it takes lives. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100 percent curable.
Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread
the cure.
Take the CureStigma test today to see if you are affected by
stigma. Visit https://www.curestigma.org/
and take the CureStigma quiz.
Here are NAMI’s 3 steps to being Stigma Free
Educate Yourself and Others
Everyone knows a little about mental health issues but
knowing the facts
can help you educate others and reject stigmatizing stereotypes. They are not
the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.
Understanding mental health isn't only about being able to identify symptoms
and having a name for conditions, but dispelling false ideas about mental
health conditions as well.
See the Person, Not the Condition
1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition and
each of them has their own story, path and journey that says more about them
than their diagnosis does. Whether you are a friend, family member, caregiver
or medical professional, getting to know a person and treating them with
kindness and empathy means far
more than just knowing what they are going through.
Take Action
Our mental health care system has been in crisis for far too
long; often keeping treatment and recovery out of the hands of many who need
it. We can take action now as we push for better legislation and policies to
improve lives for everyone. By lending your support, you can show that this
cause is important to you.
Stigma Free Pledge