Watch: Destigmatizing Mental Illness

The de-stigmatizing of mental illness is a vital goal for all communities. Everyone should treat people with mental health problems with dignity and respect, and they shouldn't fear being judged harshly for seeking help or having a mental illness. Mental illness should be seen the same way as any physical illness we may encounter in ourselves and others. A new project called Purplepersuasion hopes to combat the current trend of "playing down" mental illnesses' seriousness. 

Empathy

One of the critical components of destigmatizing mental illness is empathy. We should all strive to improve their empathy and debunk myths about mental illness. Mental illness is so widespread that we all have "something." One approach to reducing stigma is education, which can help dispel negative stereotypes and promote empathy. Educating people about mental illness can also help reduce stigma by promoting effective healthcare, eliminating stigma for having a mental illness (which is no one's "fault"), and seeking treatment (which is the correct course of action). Based on historical discrimination, abuse, and stereotyping, many of our most vulnerable communities (indigenous, people of color, the impoverished, LGBTQiA+, and others) may avoid treatment or fear that treatment will be discriminatory.

Fear

Fear of mental illness is powerful, and therapy can help break the cycle. People with mental illness often fear that other people will judge them or that they will lose friends, jobs, or social status.  The fear of rejection and the stigma of mental illness can prevent people from talking about their conditions. It can also interrupt them from receiving the help they need or finding the hope they need. 

According to the APA, "easing the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse disorders needs a national effort that will involve health agencies, as well as the criminal justice system, employers, schools and media, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NAS) released in April. The stigma of mental illness "is in the same category as racism and sexism," says Patrick W. Corrigan, PsyD, distinguished professor of psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a co-author. "It permeates all of society and affects people at all levels."  (Source:  https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/07-08/upfront-destigmatizing)