What does the word “stigma” mean?

Defining Stigma A distinguishing mark or characteristic that is seen as negative by society. A mark or sign of disgrace An attribute which is deeply discrediting Social Stigma has to do with perception

The stigma of mental illness Negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate society to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness Stigmas are disrespectful It is a negative label used to identify a person living with mental illness Fear of stigma may prevent someone with an illness from seeking help.

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Notes: Terms related to stigma Stereotype: Attitudes about a group of people, e.g. “All people with mental illness are dangerous.” Prejudice: Agreeing with the stereotypes, e.g. “I think people with mental illness are dangerous.” Discrimination: The behavior that results from prejudice, e.g. “I won’t be friends with or hire someone with a mental illness.”

What are some of the negative things you have heard about people with mental illness? People with mental illness are violent and dangerous. The truth is that, as a group, mentally ill people are no more violent than any other group. In fact, they are far more likely to be the victims of violence than to be violent themselves. People with mental illness are poor and/or less intelligent. Many studies show that most mentally ill people have average or above-average intelligence. Mental illness, like physical illness, can affect anyone regardless of intelligence, social class or income level. Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness. A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is an illness, and it has nothing to do with being weak or lacking will-power. Although people with mental illness can play a big part in their own recovery, they did not choose to become ill, and they are not lazy because they cannot just "snap out of it."

Why do you think people with mental illness are stigmatized? Words like "crazy," "cuckoo," "psycho," "wacko" and "nuts" are just a few examples of words that keep the stigma of mental illness alive. These words belittle and offend people with mental health problems. Many of us use them without intending any harm. Just as we wouldn't mock someone for having a physical illness like cancer or heart disease, it is cruel to make fun of someone with a mental illness.

Can you think of any other health conditions or social issues that have been stigmatized throughout history? Homosexuality Leprosy AIDS Unwed motherhood Divorce Religious affiliation

What do you think influences perceptions about mental illness? People with mental disorders are, many times, not described accurately or realistically in the media. Movies, television and books often present people with mental illnesses as dangerous or unstable. News stories sometimes highlight mental illness to create a sensation in a news report, even if the mental illness is not relevant to the story. Advertisers use words like "crazy" to convey that their prices are unrealistically low and to suggest the consumer can take advantage of them. .

How do you think stigma affects the lives of people with mental illness? 60% of people decide not to get help and treatment even though they would benefit from it. It makes them unhappy and may feel shame or isolation They may not be able to get a job or find housing as they are excluded from society They may lose their friends It puts stress on the whole family

Important: Remember – everyone has some stigmatizing or discriminatory thoughts or attitudes, and that the key message here is that we need to recognize those thoughts or attitudes, examine where they come from, and work toward changing the hurtful behaviors they cause!

Activity Fill in the “Community Attitudes Survey”

Student Survey Discussion Answers

1. People should work out their own mental health problems Not true. When people have a physical health concern, they generally go to see a doctor Mental illness has a stigma that surrounds it, and many people are reluctant to seek help.

2. Once you have a mental illness, you have it for life. While it’s true that most mental illnesses are lifelong, they often only are issues are certain times. Just like people who live with asthma, people with mental illnesses, when their illness is managed, live positive and productive lives.

3. Females are more likely to have a mental illness than males Men and women are both equally affected by mental illnesses in general. Women have much high rates in eating disorders and depression Men have higher rates in disorders like alcoholism and ADHD. Some are equally shared by both men and women (ex. Bipolor disorder)

4. Medication is the best treatment for mental illness Medication can be very effective part of managing a mental illness, but it is only part of the treatment. People should also consider counselling, self-help groups, etc

5. People with mental illness are generally violent and dangerous People with mental illness are generally not more violent than the rest of the population. Mental illness play no part in the majority of violent crimes committed in our society.

6. Adults are more likely than teenagers to have a mental illness Many of the major mental illnesses begin to appear during adolescence and early adulthood.

7. You can tell by looking at someone whether they have a mental illness Generally, you can’t tell if a person has a mental illness based on their appearance. Sometimes when people are experiencing a severe time during their illness, their behavior may be bizarre, especially if they are experiencing an episode of psychosis.

8. People with mental illness are generally shy and quiet There is no strong relationship between personality characteristics and whether or not you will develop a mental illness. Some mental illnesses like depression or anxiety can lead people to avoid or limit social contact.

9. Mental illness can happen to anybody This is correct In fact, it is very likely that you, a family member or someone you’re close to will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.

10. You would be happy to have a person with mental illness become a close friend? Student responses.

10. Would you be willing to have a person with a mental illness at your school or at your work? Student answers

Video Living With Stigma

Ways to reduce stigma? Brainstorm a web in your notes Add any of the following to your notes: Learn more about mental illness Listen to people who have experienced mental illness Watch your language Stand up to stigmatizing material in the media Speak up about stigma Talk openly about mental illness Demand change from government Support organizations that fight stigma

Journal Entry Think of a time where you felt misunderstood or judged. How did this make you feel? Were you angry? Disappointed? How do you think people with mental illness feel when they have to live with the stigmas other people have about mental illness?