The best guide on spiritual healing


Before You Label People, Look At Their Contents

When mental illnesses are used asthe arts to the sciences, from medicine to
labels-depressed, schizophrenic, manic, orentertainment  to  professional  sports.
hyperactive-these  labels  hurt.
5. Treat people with the dignity and respect
Labels lead to stigma -- a word that meanswe all deserve. People who have mental
branding and shame. And stigma leads toillnesses may include your friends, your
discrimination. Everyone knows why it isneighbors,  and  your  family.
wrong to discriminate against people because
of their race, religion, culture, or6. Think about the person-the contents behind
appearance. They are less aware of how peoplethe label. Avoid labeling people by their
with mental illnesses are discriminateddiagnosis. Instead of saying, "She's a
against. Although such discrimination may notschizophrenic," say, "She has a mental
always  be  obvious,  it exists-and it hurts.illness."  Never use the term "mentally ill."
Words  Can  Be  PoisonPrograms  to  End  Stigma
The stigma of mental illness is real,Many National and State groups have begun
painful, and damaging to the lives of peopleprojects and campaigns to reverse stigma.
with mental illness. Stigma prevents themThese groups offer a range of programs and
from getting the treatment and support theymaterials, from speakers bureaus to training
need  to  lead  healthy,  normal  lives.programs for mental health professionals. To
get involved, call them. And to learn more
Stigma discourages people from getting help.about mental health, call SAMHSA's National
At any given time, one in four adults and oneMental Health Information Center at
in five children experience a mental health800-789-CMHS  (2647).
problem. Early and appropriate services can
be the best way to prevent an illness fromSAMHSA's National Mental Health Information
getting worse. Many people don't seek suchCenter
services because they don't want to be
labeled  as  "mentally  ill"  or  "crazy."P.O.  Box  42557
Stigma keeps people from getting good jobsWashington,  DC  20015
and advancing in the workplace. Some
employers are reluctant to hire people who800-789-CMHS  (2647)
have mental illnesses. Thanks to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), suchWorld  Wide  Web:
discrimination is illegal. But it still
happens!E-mail:  hsa.gov/
Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence.The  Anti-Stigma  Project
Even though the vast majority of people who
have mental illnesses are no more violent1521  South  Edgewood  Street,  Suite  C
than anyone else, the average television
viewer sees three people with mentalBaltimore,  MD  21227
illnesses each week-and most of them are
portrayed as violent. Such inaccuratePhone  410-646-0262  ,  800-704-0262  ,  or
portrayals lead people to fear those who have
mental  illnesses.Fax  410-646-0264
Stigma results in prejudice andDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance
discrimination. Many individuals try to(DBSA)
prevent people who have mental illnesses from
living  in  their  neighborhoods.730  North  Franklin  Street,  Suite  501
Stigma results in inadequate insuranceChicago,  IL  60610
coverage. Many insurance plans do not cover
mental health services to the same degree as800-826-3632
other illnesses. When mental illnesses are
covered, coverage may be limited,Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness Serving
inappropriate,  or  inadequate.Hands  International
Words  Can  Heal4607  Mission  Gorge  Place
Here are six steps you can follow to help endSan  Diego,  CA  92120
the  stigma  which  surrounds mental illness:
800-219-4854
1. Learn more. Manyorganizations sponsor
nationwide programs about mental health andNational  Alliance  for  the  Mentally  Ill
mental illness. Several are listed at the end
of  this  brochure.Colonial  Place  Three
2. Insist on accountable media. Sometimes the2107  Wilson  Boulevard
media portray people who have mental
illnesses inaccurately, and this makesSuite  300
stereotypes  harder  to  change.
Arlington,  VA  22201-3042
3. Obey the laws in the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibitsThe  National  Empowerment  Center
discrimination against people with
disabilities in all areas of public life,20  Ballard  Road
including housing, employment, and public
transportation. Mental illnesses areLawrence,  MA  01843
considered a disability covered under the
ADA.800-769-3728
4. Recognize and appreciate the contributionsThe National Mental Health Association
to society made by people who have mentalInformation  Center
illnesses. People who have mental illnesses
are major contributors to American life-from2001 N.



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