Stigma
People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and even discrimination.
This can make their journey, our journey, to recovery longer and more difficult.
Stigma is a way to set a person apart from others.
It can label someone by their illness which leads to them no longer being seen as an individual but as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes and beliefs towards groups create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination. Some people describe stigma as shame that can be felt as a judgement from someone else or a feeling that is internal, something that confuses feeling bad with being bad.
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough. The isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by the stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well. Reaching out to a friend, mental health professional or trusted leader is an important step in the process. We all need support and guidance along the way.
So, check in on your peeps today. Let them know you care. Correct those that stigmatize mental health. Say hi to your neighbors. Be inclusive. And please be kind to every SINGLE person you meet.