OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH

“False beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Learn what you can do about stigma.”

By Daily News Reporter

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

What are some of the harmful effects of stigma such as Reluctance to seek help or treatment

Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others,

Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing,

Bullying, physical violence or harassment,

Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment,

The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

From this how can we deal with this stigma?

First Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.

Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.

Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.

Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," say "I have schizophrenia."

Join a support group. Some local community groups and offer local programs that help reduce stigma by educating people who have mental illness, their families and the general public.

Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. If a teacher doesn't know about a student's disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.