Understanding mental health and mental illness What is the difference?

Language Brainstorm Divide your paper into four sections… Physical Health Mental Health Physical Illness Mental Illness Brainstorm and fill your sheet with as many words that come to mind when you see the term written on the top of your paper. Be ready to share words from your list… What do we notice – any similarities or differences, why?

Mental Health Everyone has mental health – just like physical health Fundamental components of positive mental health are being able to identify stress and learn how to successfully overcome it, in a way that solves the problem.

No Distress This is most of us – most days :)

Mental Distress

Mental health problems

Mental illness/disorder

What is Stigma? What are some of the negative things you have heard people say about those with mental illness? What are some of the positive things? Make a list in your packet. Share with your neighbor

Stigma is… Stigma refers to “a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness. “ It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Many people with mental illness say that the stigma that surrounds mental illness is harder to live with than the disease itself. Stigma is.... (1.12) Break the Stigma (2.17) Stop The Stigma (2.48)

Discuss and answer in your packet Why do you think people with mental illness are stigmatized? Can you think of other health or social conditions that are stigmatized? What kinds of factors contribute to changing public attitudes around these conditions? What do you think influences perceptions about mental illness? How do you think stigma affects the lives of people with mental illness?

Language Matters When we use mental illness/disorders as labels in a careless way, we reinforce the negative stigma. These labels also disregard the seriousness of the actual illness/disorder. Using terms in this way can be hurtful to those who are diagnosed with these illnesses.