[…] from discussing their experiences with others, including shame, fear of judgment or not knowing what to say. Every culture has its own version of beliefs that perpetuate stigma: “buck up and stay strong,” “don’t show weakness,” “men don’t cry.” A multitude of beliefs rooted in a time when mental health was poorly understood discourage […]
[…] the truth about everything (suicidal thoughts, diagnoses, etc.). I told readers my deepest darkest secrets, and it was so freeing. I no longer feel shame or any stigma associated with having a mental illness. So many people have reached out to me since 2019, saying they feel the same way but can’t talk about […]
[…] how my neighbors would react if they knew I have schizophrenia. Most people know that mental illness impacts one’s thinking or behavior. However, due to the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness, people may not know that mental health conditions can be treated (usually with a combination of medication and therapy) — and people living […]
[…] of your intensity. How hard it is to be told your behavior is “toxic” or “possessive.” But I’ve also learned that I have a chance to fight stigma surrounding BPD. I have come to understand just how damaging stigma can be; indeed, finding your identity can be difficult when the world reduces you to […]
[…] and mental health advocates are working hard to change social and political structures — paving the way for a world in which we are not burdened by stigma and limited access to care. With this momentum, the future looks bright. Linda Snow-Griffin is a retired psychologist, mental health advocate and mother of an […]
[…] life isn’t good enough or you might even wish to have a life other than your own — one that feels less “flawed” or ridden with social stigma. I felt all these things for so long. For the first time, though, I can say with confidence that it is good and right to be […]
[…] our pronouns which are she/he/they/we. While my experience may be different from others, I hope that sharing my story can be a step in breaking the pervasive stigma surrounding DID. Brianna McCray is a writer who is determined to use her voice to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. She lives with DID […]
[…] with 17% of U.S. youth living with a mental health condition. It may seem lonely, but we are all around you. Even though you may fear the stigma from seeking treatment, medication and/or therapy is essential to living a healthy and successful life. You may not know it, but nearly 16% of U.S. adults […]
[…] represent real people, but tragically, despite a need for care and support, people within the LGBTQ+ community too often experience discrimination in health care settings. Because of stigma, the lack of diverse mental health providers (sometimes, the lack of any mental health providers), and many new policies that make it more difficult for individuals […]
[…] of how people would react. There were several reasons why I was afraid to talk about my struggles with mental health and addiction. There is a prevailing stigma surrounding these issues, especially within the realm of professional sports. I worried about how my teammates, coaches, fans and the entire hockey community would perceive me […]
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text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
