Let's Break the Stigma
When we treat someone differently, we may be stigmatizing them based on ideas about mental illness that come from inaccurate news reports or over dramatized movies and television programs.
In this courageous talk, Sam Cohen - a high school sophomore - implores us to treat mental illnesses as the illnesses that they are, and to move forward as a culture in an accepting and nurturing way in treating these illnesses.
Stigma often deters those with mental illness from accessing health care or maximizing their potential because they’re afraid of being judged.
Choose Your Words Carefully
The language that you use can either contribute to the stigma that people feel when they suffer from depression or Break the Stigma
It’s important to take depression seriously!
Be careful not to refer to people with mental illnesses as “crazy” or “insane”.
saying things like you should just “get over it” or “stop being lazy” are not helpful when someone is experiencing Depression.
Never accuse someone of making up or exaggerating a mental illness.
You may not understand their experience, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a valid experience.
TALK ABOUT IT
Because of stigma, many people choose to keep their own experiences with mental illness to themselves.
So how can we fight stigma?
By improving mental health literacy, we can challenge our misinformation and negative attitudes.
Below are some videos that can help us understand the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Stella's Story
Living with Bipolar Disorder
Luke's Story
Living with ADD
Amy's Story
Living with Anorexia
Caet's Story
Living with Depression
Edward's Story
Living with Depression
Connor's Story
Living with Anxiety Disorder
"The voices in my head were awful, self-loathing, and hateful."
Conquering depression: how I became my own hero.
The stigma surrounding depression often causes people to suppress and hide their true identities as individuals who are suffering from a mental illness. This talk promotes ending the stigma and reaching out to people with the message: depression is not your destiny.
The Power of Depression
"My bed became my hiding place from the world, my tears became my only friends, and my thoughts became the only people whom would listen to me."
7 ways to fight mental health stigma
Be Conscious of Language
Educate Yourself and Others
Encourage Equality Between Physical and Mental Illness
Don’t Harbor Self-Stigma
Show Compassion for Those with Mental Illness
Choose Empowerment Over Shame
Talk Openly About Mental Health
No matter how you contribute to the mental health movement, you can make a difference simply by knowing that mental illness is not anyone’s fault, no matter what societal stigma says. You can make a difference by being and living stigma free
There are many supports, services and treatment options that may help.
Collectively, we can make a positive impact on the millions of people who are struggling and feeling particularly alone given the current situation of social isolation and physical distancing.
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance.