Stigma and Mental Illness

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StigmaandMental Illness
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Definitions

• Mental Illness a medical condition that is
  disruptive to aspect of a persons life including
  thinking, mood, feeling, daily functioning, and
  ability to relate to others.
• Stigma- mark of disgrace which distracts from the
  character of a person.

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Components of Stigma

• Labeling
• Stereotyping
• Devaluing
• Discriminating
• Ignorance
• Prejudice

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Stigma can

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

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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.

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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.

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Ways to Cope (Continued)

• Be hopeful
• Be active
• Remember you or your loved ones have choices.
• Make sure people know your expectations.

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

• Steps to reduce stigma include

• Be Supportive
• Monitor the Media
• Be an advocate individually or as part of a
  group- and share your experiences.
• Give praise when someone including yourself seeks
  help.

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Resources

• The Mayo Clinic
• www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
  Administration
• Rethink
• Websters New World Dictionary 3rd College ed.
• WebMD
• (information used was reviewed by doctors at
  Cleveland Clinics department of psychiatry and
  psychology)