addressing mental health stigma

source: https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/addressing-stigma

Re: “Addressing Stigma”

Fr:  Center for Addiction & Mental Health (Canada) https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/addressing-stigma (headings & divisions mine)

 >Abstract: Challenging the stigma associated with mental illness takes (a) UNDERSTANDING, (b) EDUCATION & (c) a closer look at our own ATTITUDES toward health.

 A.   “Diagnosis”

 >Principle: Mental Illness is NOT a Character Defect!

--causes: genetic / biological; childhood trauma or overwhelming stress at school, work or home; environmental injustices or violence; UNKNOWN (“sometimes we just don’t know)

 >Dynamics of Stigma: (a) causes: FEAR & MISUNDERSTANDING (b) effects: on others = PREJUDICE; on self: HOPELESSNESS & SHAME

 >Statistics: stigma prevents 40% of people with Anxiety and Depression from seeking medical help.

 >Principle: “Stigma SERIOUSLY affects the well-being of those who experience it.” It “PROFOUNDLY changes how people feel about themselves and the way others see them.”

 B.     “Treatment”

 Seven Things You Can Do to Reduce Stigma

      1. KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS

Know the facts. Educate yourself about mental illness including substance use disorders.

2. SELF-AWARENESS

Be aware of your attitudes and behaviour. Examine your own judgmental thinking, reinforced by upbringing and society.

3. NEUTRAL & RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE

Choose your words carefully. The way we speak can affect the attitudes of others.

4. INFORMATION & EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

Educate others. Pass on facts and positive attitudes; challenge MYTHS and STEREOTYPES.

5. POSITIVITY & PERSPECTIVE

Focus on the positive. Mental illness, including addictions, are only part of anyone's larger picture.

6. EMPATY & COMPASSION

Support people. Treat everyone with dignity and respect; offer support and encouragement.

7. INCLUSIVITY

Include everyone. It's against the law to deny jobs or services to anyone with these health issues.