Anti-Stigma: Do You Know the Facts?
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Visit Arthur Buchanan Website Anti-Stigma: Do You Know the
Facts? Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or
action. Stigma is about disrespect. It is the use of negative
labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma
is a barrier. Fear of stigma, and the resulting discrimination,
discourages individuals and their families from getting the help
they need.
An estimated 22 to 23 percent of the U.S. population experience
a mental disorder in any given year, but almost half of these
individuals do not seek treatment (U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, 2002; U.S. Surgeon General, 2001).
Do you know that an estimated 44 million Americans experience a
mental disorder in any given year?
Do you know that stigma is not a matter of using the wrong word
or action?
Do you know that stigma is about disrespect and using negative
labels to identify a person living with mental illness?
Do you know that stigma is a barrier that discourages
individuals and their families from seeking help?
Do you know that many people would rather tell employers they
committed a petty crime and served time in jail, than admit to
being in a psychiatric hospital?
Do you know that stigma can result in inadequate insurance
coverage for mental health services?
Do you know that stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence
against people living with mental illness and their families?
Do you know that stigma can cause families and friends to turn
their backs on people with mental illness?
Do you know that stigma can prevent people from getting access
to needed mental health services?
DO'S
Do use respectful language
Do emphasize abilities, not limitations.
Do tell someone if they express a stigmatizing attitude.
DONT'S
Don't portray successful persons with disabilities as super
human.
Don't use generic labels such as retarded, or the mentally ill.
Don't use terms like crazy, lunatic, manic depressive, or slow
functioning.