When we don't know the facts, blaming parents for their child's behavioral health diagnosis is stigmatizing. Parents report that they are most likely to be blamed for their child's diagnosis by extended family, as opposed to by school systems or service providers.
Navigating the system
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The Effect Of Mental Illness On The Family Relationship
While the stress and stigma of caring for someone with a mental illness can sometimes cause loved ones to develop Distorted Perceptions towards the person with the diagnosis, Healthy Place asserts that families can come together to move beyond their loved one's illness—not away from their loved one.
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What I Wish I Knew When I Became a Carer
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Security Clearances and Psychological Health Care
One of the most common Distorted Perceptions about behavioral health in the military is that revealing your diagnosis will automatically hurt your chances of advancing professionally. The Real Warriors Campaign challenges this idea, stating that “the decision to seek psychological health care counseling can actually favorably affect your eligibility for a clearance.” Check out their article for the ins and outs of how this process works.
Staff Sgt. Josh Hopper (Video)
Staff Sgt. Josh Hopper talks about how dealing with PTSD and addiction “like a marine” means talking to your commanding officer and receiving the treatment you need. “Being active duty, you’re branded as the tough guy… it takes real strength to swallow your pride and say I need help and actually get it.”