“While stereotypes might indicate that people with eating disorders are malnourished and skinny, the full spectrum of eating disorders goes far beyond these preconceived notions.”
The Academy for Eating Disorders has released a new document trying to bust the stigma and improve knowledge of this disease.
“Men and boys battling eating disorders often go under and un-diagnosed, and according to experts, that's due in part because of a double stigma men can face when it comes to getting treatment. First, men face stigma for having a disorder that's typically associated with women and can be described as feminine, and secondly because of the idea that "real men" don't talk about their emotions.”
“The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the Black community, has caused many to suffer in silence instead of seeking the help they need. Because the Black community has sought to portray itself as strong and resilient, the thought of seeking mental health resources is often viewed as a sign of weakness.
To start conversations about the forbidden topic, mental health is being approached through a spiritual lens to attract historically Black faith-based communities.”
Conley told CNA he has been open about his experience because he wants to encourage others to seek help when they need it. Such testimonies can be a helpful step in increasing awareness and advocacy for others with mental illness, the NCPD explained.
Conley told CNA this month he had initially been afraid that his mental illness would be seen as a sign of weakness. But he said that after he announced his mental health leave, people reached out to him, saying they were grateful for his willingness to share about his experience.
“The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood is using the Islami Mitali program to address the problem of substance abuse in the Muslim community — an issue often ignored by members of the Muslim community since any use of drugs or alcohol is forbidden in Islam.
To combat the stigma and normalize the conversation about addiction, the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood makes an announcement after Friday prayer about the program (provided Friday prayer is not canceled due to COVID-19).”
“We have a stigma against people who are struggling with mental health, we tend to push them away or tend to look at them some sort of way,” Roe said. “In our community, we can't afford to do that. We can't afford to have a stigma against our people that are sick, that are experiencing homelessness, because we're losing a whole generation. We're losing a whole generation to opioids.”
“Bell-Holter has dedicated his life to promoting mental wellness and youth mentorship. That's why he’s now leading a group of men on a cycling trip through Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico with the goal of breaking the silence surrounding the cycle and stigma of mental health for men of color. They've started Break the (BI)Cycle to open the conversation.”
Dumas said it's especially important to make mental health a top priority during the pandemic, and support people who are struggling.
"There is no room for stigmatization in our Nations," he said. "Be socially distant, but do not forget about each other. Wear a mask, but be sure to speak kind words, even a little louder if necessary. Wash your hands regularly, but be sure to virtually lend a hand and virtually reach out to those in need."
“Mental health issues affect everyone, but people of color — Black, Latinx, Asian and Native American people — have higher rates of some mental health disorders and face greater disparities in getting help than White people. Those issues are primarily due to lack of access to services resulting from institutional discrimination, interpersonal racism and stigma — which can all harm the psyche of people of color in places where they are not the majority.”
Asked about her fondest hopes for the film, Black added:
”It is my hope that community members will be inspired to reframe how they perceive and discuss addiction and overdose risk in this community. “
“It is my hope that those who are struggling with opioid use will seek medical care, resources and supports to confidently begin on their own healing journey.
“It is my hope that we can further normalize the conversation and experience of coping with substances/opioids and start focusing on solution-focused responses to the current opioid crisis.
