| When mental illnesses are used as | | | | the arts to the sciences, from medicine to |
| labels-depressed, schizophrenic, manic, or | | | | entertainment to professional sports. |
| hyperactive-these labels hurt. | | | | |
| | | | 5. Treat people with the dignity and respect |
| Labels lead to stigma -- a word that means | | | | we all deserve. People who have mental |
| branding and shame. And stigma leads to | | | | illnesses may include your friends, your |
| discrimination. Everyone knows why it is | | | | neighbors, and your family. |
| wrong to discriminate against people because | | | | |
| of their race, religion, culture, or | | | | 6. Think about the person-the contents behind |
| appearance. They are less aware of how people | | | | the label. Avoid labeling people by their |
| with mental illnesses are discriminated | | | | diagnosis. Instead of saying, "She's a |
| against. Although such discrimination may not | | | | schizophrenic," say, "She has a mental |
| always be obvious, it exists-and it hurts. | | | | illness." Never use the term "mentally ill." |
| | | | |
| Words Can Be Poison | | | | Programs to End Stigma |
| | | | |
| The stigma of mental illness is real, | | | | Many National and State groups have begun |
| painful, and damaging to the lives of people | | | | projects and campaigns to reverse stigma. |
| with mental illness. Stigma prevents them | | | | These groups offer a range of programs and |
| from getting the treatment and support they | | | | materials, 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 one | | | | Mental Health Information Center at |
| in five children experience a mental health | | | | 800-789-CMHS (2647). |
| problem. Early and appropriate services can | | | | |
| be the best way to prevent an illness from | | | | SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information |
| getting worse. Many people don't seek such | | | | Center |
| services because they don't want to be | | | | |
| labeled as "mentally ill" or "crazy." | | | | P.O. Box 42557 |
| | | | |
| Stigma keeps people from getting good jobs | | | | Washington, DC 20015 |
| and advancing in the workplace. Some | | | | |
| employers are reluctant to hire people who | | | | 800-789-CMHS (2647) |
| have mental illnesses. Thanks to the | | | | |
| Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such | | | | World 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 violent | | | | 1521 South Edgewood Street, Suite C |
| than anyone else, the average television | | | | |
| viewer sees three people with mental | | | | Baltimore, MD 21227 |
| illnesses each week-and most of them are | | | | |
| portrayed as violent. Such inaccurate | | | | Phone 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 and | | | | Depression 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 insurance | | | | Chicago, IL 60610 |
| coverage. Many insurance plans do not cover | | | | |
| mental health services to the same degree as | | | | 800-826-3632 |
| 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 Heal | | | | 4607 Mission Gorge Place |
| | | | |
| Here are six steps you can follow to help end | | | | San Diego, CA 92120 |
| the stigma which surrounds mental illness: | | | | |
| | | | 800-219-4854 |
| 1. Learn more. Manyorganizations sponsor | | | | |
| nationwide programs about mental health and | | | | National 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 the | | | | 2107 Wilson Boulevard |
| media portray people who have mental | | | | |
| illnesses inaccurately, and this makes | | | | Suite 300 |
| stereotypes harder to change. | | | | |
| | | | Arlington, VA 22201-3042 |
| 3. Obey the laws in the Americans with | | | | |
| Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits | | | | The 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 are | | | | Lawrence, MA 01843 |
| considered a disability covered under the | | | | |
| ADA. | | | | 800-769-3728 |
| | | | |
| 4. Recognize and appreciate the contributions | | | | The National Mental Health Association |
| to society made by people who have mental | | | | Information Center |
| illnesses. People who have mental illnesses | | | | |
| are major contributors to American life-from | | | | 2001 N. |