WHAT IS NEEDED TO OVERCOME THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS?
There is much stigma associated with mental illness. The World Health Organization refers to stigma as disgrace or disapproval that leads to an individual being shunned or rejected by others. The major causes of this stigma are negative myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes. Stigma has a strong negative effect on a person’s recovery. It can affect their ability to access appropriate treatment, services, and the support they need at work and in the community. We can all play a role in reducing this stigma by: • openly talking about mental illness in our community; • learning more about mental illnesses; and, • challenging negative comments made by people about mental illness and those who are recovering from it. For example, have you ever heard someone say, “if they only tried harder, they could get over their depression”? You can respond by saying simply that depression is an illness that needs treatment, and not a state of mind that can be switched on and off. HELPING SOMEONE WITH A
