Since her initial diagnosis during the 1960’s, Brenda sought treatment for her bipolar disorder but kept it a secret for over 50 years. “Mental health stigma is something that causes fear, mistrust, or disgust, and it keeps people from accepting something or someone. Fortunately, those who don’t or won’t understand mental illness are fewer and fewer every day.” Click the title to access her full interview with Deconstructing Stigma.
Personal Story: Maria, Social Anxiety
Living Under the Stigma of an Invisible Illness
This Distorted Perceptions original article outlines one woman’s experience living with invisible physical and behavioral health conditions and it’s impact in the workplace, educational system, healthcare, and personal relationships. Check out the infographics for practical suggestions on combating stigma for loved ones, employers/ colleagues, educators, healthcare providers, and people experiencing invisible illness.
You're Faking It: Stigma Around Invisible Disability
"Because we live in a visual society, we assume that people are ‘more disabled,’ if we can see their disabilities. What do we do with this information?” This article from Custom Mobility Inc. has 2 calls to action: 1) it challenges “able-bodied people” not to make assumptions about people and their conditions before getting to know them, and 2) it challenges people with disabilities to fight stigma both internally and externally by understanding the distorted perceptions that can come from society. Click the title to access the full article.
South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network
“South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network, SAMHIN, is a non-profit that addresses the mental health needs of the South Asian community in the U.S. Our goal is to decrease the stigma and shame associated with mental illness and offer resources for people who seek help.”
“Over 3.4 million South Asians live in the United States. South Asians are individuals with ancestry from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.”
The Friendship Bench- Zimbabwe
To tackle Zimbabwe’s shortage of mental health professionals and stigma towards mental health issues, community leaders have been trained on mental health problems and positioned to provide treatment within their local communities- on local park benches. “So far, 27,000 people suffering from common mental health disorders have tried the program,” and it is being expended throughout Zimbabwe.
Beyond the Label - Canada
Beyond the Label is a free resource developed by Canadian stigma researchers with activities “that emphasize the impact of attitudes and beliefs on people with concurrent mental health and substance use problems; highlight facts and dispel myths; present positive stories and solution-focused approaches; and support addiction and mental health workers in their efforts to reduce stigma, prejudice and discrimination.” Click the title to access the full pdf.
See Change- Ireland
Based in Ireland, See Change is a national campaign aiming to “reduce stigma associated with mental health problems and challenge discrimination.” Beyond their library of stigma facts, personal stories, and workplace resources, their annual Green Ribbon Campaign distributes hundreds of thousands of green ribbons throughout Ireland during the month of May, encouraging community members to wear them “as a symbol for starting conversation about mental health.” They also organize a national “Time to Talk” day when they “encourage people to use their social media presence and encourage positive conversations about mental health online using #TimeToTalk.”
Time to Change - United Kingdom
Based in the UK, Time to Change is a “growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health problems.” Since 2007 they’ve worked to get people talking about mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities. This year, they launched a new program “to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in other countries - by training local campaigners and setting up pilot campaigns.” Click the title to learn more about their work.