What is Mental Health

Stigma?

Definitions

• Mental Illness – a medical condition that is disruptive to aspect of a person’s life including thinking, mood, feeling, daily functioning, and ability to relate to others.

• Stigma- A cluster of negative attitudes that discriminate against people with mental illness.

Components of Stigma

LabelingStereotypingDevaluingDiscriminatingIgnorancePrejudice

Stigma can…

Cause feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and low self-esteem.Create problems with employment.Negatively impact housing.Cause Harassment.Cause physical violence.

Stigma can…(continued)

Negatively impact community participation.Reduce resource & opportunity access.Cause a person to deny the illness.Cause a person to refuse treatment.Cause there to be inadequate coverage of mental health treatment by health insurance companies.

Although there is no reason that these should exist, there are ways to cope with stigma related to mental illness.

• To cope with stigma…“Surround yourself with supportive people.”Remember you - are NOT your illness.Remember - treatment works.Remember - you are not alone.

Ways to Cope (Continued)Be hopefulBe active Remember you or your loved ones have choices.Make sure people know your expectations.

We need take part in combating stigma related to mental illness.

Be Supportive Know the facts about mental illnessesBe an advocate – individually or as part of a group- and share your experiences.Give praise when someone including yourself seeks help.Remember that mental illnesses are a product of biological, psychological, and social factors.

•Steps to reduce stigma include…

Resources

• The Mayo Clinic• www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk• National Alliance on Mental Illness• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration• Rethink• Webster’s New World Dictionary 3rd College ed.• WebMD(information used was reviewed by doctors at Cleveland Clinic’s department of psychiatry and psychology)