“With stigma being the biggest barrier to addiction treatment faced by patients, the language we use is as important as what we’re saying. Words like “relapse” work to reinforce the negative ideas associated with substance use disorder. By more carefully choosing language that is not stigmatizing, we can create more awareness and understanding of the disease of substance use disorders.”
New Day Campaign- Where stigma ends, healing begins
From 2015 to 2019, the New Day Campaign created and curated art-based public events and experiences to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and substance use, “making the world a more healing place.” Throughout it’s 4 years of operation, the Campaign engaged hundreds of artists who had a personal connection to addiction or mental health, giving them a platform to share their experiences through art.
Research as a tool for fighting stigma
Researchers are studying the effects of behavioral health stigma in many different contexts, with findings showing the impact that stigma has on individuals, families, communities, and the importance of negating it’s damaging effects. Here we highlight two examples of such studies: one examining how a sense of belonging can impact internalized stigma; the other examining messaging strategies around significant mental illness (SMI) and gun violence. Keep in mind though that these are only two examples- the existing research goes far beyond this!
Using Photovoice to Fight the Stigma of Mental Illness
The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is using Photovoice to help consumers to “identify and confront the experience of stigma in their lives.”
“Photovoice puts cameras in the hands of individuals and asks them to produce statements made up of pictures and words that communicate their experience… it emphasizes the knowledge of people with lived experience as a vital source of expertise… enabl[ing] people at the grassroots level without access to decision-makers to represent and define issues of concern, areas of strength, and targets for change—all of which are routinely defined by health specialists, policy makers, or professionals.”
A Veteran's View On Mental Health
In this interview with Spectrum News, Patrick Welch shares his experiences with PTSD as a child and Vietnam War veteran. He describes feeling isolated after returning to civilian life, and how peer support from Vietnam Veterans of America gave him “a home,” helped to break the stigma of mental illness, and empowered him to advocate for and support other veterans experiencing mental health issues.
Click the title to view the full interview from Spectrum News. The interview was part of Spectrum News’ #IAm1in5 series, which seeks to fight the stigma of mental illness by sharing local stories.
No Stigma No Barriers Mental Health Collaborative
Durango Fire uses teamwork to support mental health
“For a great part of our history, there’s been a stigma about needing to be tough and not showing your emotions,” said Durango Fire Chief Hal Doughty. “It set fire departments on a path for disaster.” The Durango Fire Department is fighting behavioral health stigma by incorporating a peer support team into their department, “where emergency responders, backed by mental health training, provide confidential support for their peers.” Click the title to access the full article from the Durango Herald.
Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness Through Music
Music can have a profound effect on mental health. When Ronald Braunstein lost his job after being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, he created the Me2/Orchestra to welcome all musicians with mental illnesses. Now, neuroscientists and musicians are working together to embrace the healing powers of music and break the stigma around mental illness.
Deconstructing Stigma
4 Organizations Fighting For The Mental Health Of Asian Americans
“There is a powerful stigma surrounding mental illness in Asian American communities which is causing a crisis for their mental health. In a 2010 study of Asian Americans’ use of mental health services, participants said the primary factor preventing their use of mental health services was due to it being looked down on in their communities.
How exactly does this stigma against mental illness work within Asian American communities? Here’s what it looked like for me.”