Facts about Stigma
Eliminating stigma associated with mental illness is critical in ensuring that people seek treatment they need. Lack of knowledge, fear of disclosure, rejection of friends and discrimination are a few reasons why people with mental illness don't seek help. The Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) is committed to eliminating stigma associated with emotional problems and mental illness through the use of evidence-based, culturally-competent prevention services, and collaboration between traditional and non-traditional systems.
What is stigma?
- An attempt to label a particular group of people as less worthy of respect than others
- A mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval that results in discrimination
- Not just a matter of using the wrong word or action – it's about disrespect
Stigma leads to:
- Inadequate insurance coverage for mental health services
- Fear, mistrust and violence against people living with mental illnesses and their families
- Family and friends turning their backs on people with mental illness
- Prejudice and discrimination
Discrimination against people with mental illness violates their rights and denies them opportunities.
Despite civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with mental illnesses often experience discrimination in the workplace, education, housing and healthcare.
Mistrust of mental health services may deter people of color from seeking treatment.
Ethnic and racial communities in the United States face a social and economic environment of inequality that includes greater exposure to racism, discrimination, violence and poverty. Their concerns are reinforced by evidence (both direct and indirect) of clinician bias and stereotyping. Clinical environments that do not respect or are incompatible with the cultures of the people they serve may deter people from seeking help, adhering to a treatment plan and continuing follow-up care.
Fighting stigma
Use respectful language.
Put the person before the illness – use phrases such as “a person with schizophrenia.” Never use terms like crazy, lunatic, psycho or retarded. Correct people who do so.
Provide professional development opportunities for staff, regarding diversity, mental health issues and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Include mental illness in discussions about acceptance of diversity, just as you would discuss cultural diversity, religious beliefs, physical disability and sexual orientation.
Become an advocate.
Create awareness by writing letters to newspapers and lawmakers. Speak out and challenge stereotypes portrayed in the media. Take it upon yourself to inform your community about the truth of mental illness.
Teach others about mental illness.
Spread understanding that these are illnesses like any other.
Resources
Think Outside the Stigma campaign
Alcohol and other drug addictions and mental illnesses are brain diseases that are treatable. This message is promoted by an anti-stigma campaign launched in 2007 by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS) and supported by ODMH. It’s estimated that more than 10 million people in the U.S. are living with at least one co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorder. Dollars spent on prevention reap economic savings by reducing lost productivity, crime, child abuse/neglect and homelessness. For materials related to the campaign, visit www.odadas.ohio.gov.
SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center)
This center provides practical assistance to individuals, states and public and private organizations in the design, implementation and operation of programs and initiatives to reduce discrimination and stigma.
Campaign for Mental Health Recovery—What A Difference A Friend Makes
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched the mental health campaign for mental health recovery to encourage, educate and inspire people between 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. The prevalence of serious mental health conditions in this age group is almost double that of the general population, yet young people have the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. This group has a high potential to minimize future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on.
NAMI Multicultural Action Center
This center works to focus attention on system reform to ensure access to culturally competent services and treatment for all Americans and to help and support families of color who are dealing with mental illness.
Support Technical Assistance Resource Center (STAR Center)
This center provides support, technical assistance and resources to help improve and increase the capacity of consumer-operated programs that meet the needs of people living with mental illnesses from diverse communities.
StigmaBusters
This group of dedicated advocates across the country fight the inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illness that can be found in TV, film, print or other media. StigmaBusters’ goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice and unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding and respect.
Source: Some information provided was retrieved from NAMI on August 20, 2008.