| When mental illnesses are used as | | | | Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA |
| labels-depressed, schizophrenic, manic, | | | | prohibits discrimination against people |
| or hyperactive-these labels hurt. | | | | with disabilities in all areas of public |
| Labels lead to stigma -- a word that | | | | life, including housing, employment, and |
| means branding and shame. And stigma | | | | public transportation. Mental illnesses |
| leads to discrimination. Everyone knows | | | | are considered a disability covered |
| why it is wrong to discriminate against | | | | under the ADA. |
| people because of their race, religion, | | | | 4. Recognize and appreciate the |
| culture, or appearance. They are less | | | | contributions to society made by people |
| aware of how people with mental | | | | who have mental illnesses. People who |
| illnesses are discriminated against. | | | | have mental illnesses are major |
| Although such discrimination may not | | | | contributors to American life-from the |
| always be obvious, it exists-and it | | | | arts to the sciences, from medicine to |
| hurts. | | | | entertainment to professional sports. |
| Words Can Be Poison | | | | 5. Treat people with the dignity and |
| The stigma of mental illness is real, | | | | respect we all deserve. People who have |
| painful, and damaging to the lives of | | | | mental illnesses may include your |
| people with mental illness. Stigma | | | | friends, your neighbors, and your |
| prevents them from getting the treatment | | | | family. |
| and support they need to lead healthy, | | | | 6. Think about the person-the contents |
| normal lives. | | | | behind the label. Avoid labeling people |
| Stigma discourages people from getting | | | | by their diagnosis. Instead of saying, |
| help. At any given time, one in four | | | | "She's a schizophrenic," say, "She has a |
| adults and one in five children | | | | mental illness." Never use the term |
| experience a mental health problem. | | | | "mentally ill." |
| Early and appropriate services can be | | | | Programs to End Stigma |
| the best way to prevent an illness from | | | | Many National and State groups have |
| getting worse. Many people don't seek | | | | begun projects and campaigns to reverse |
| such services because they don't want to | | | | stigma. These groups offer a range of |
| be labeled as "mentally ill" or "crazy." | | | | programs and materials, from speakers |
| Stigma keeps people from getting good | | | | bureaus to training programs for mental |
| jobs and advancing in the workplace. | | | | health professionals. To get involved, |
| Some employers are reluctant to hire | | | | call them. And to learn more about |
| people who have mental illnesses. Thanks | | | | mental health, call SAMHSA's National |
| to the Americans with Disabilities Act | | | | Mental Health Information Center at |
| (ADA), such discrimination is illegal. | | | | 800-789-CMHS (2647). |
| But it still happens! | | | | SAMHSA's National Mental Health |
| Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and | | | | Information Center |
| violence. Even though the vast majority | | | | P.O. Box 42557 |
| of people who have mental illnesses are | | | | Washington, DC 20015 |
| no more violent than anyone else, the | | | | 800-789-CMHS (2647) |
| average television viewer sees three | | | | World Wide Web: |
| people with mental illnesses each | | | | E-mail: hsa.gov/ |
| week-and most of them are portrayed as | | | | The Anti-Stigma Project |
| violent. Such inaccurate portrayals lead | | | | 1521 South Edgewood Street, Suite C |
| people to fear those who have mental | | | | Baltimore, MD 21227 |
| illnesses. | | | | Phone 410-646-0262 , 800-704-0262 , or |
| Stigma results in prejudice and | | | | Fax 410-646-0264 |
| discrimination. Many individuals try to | | | | Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance |
| prevent people who have mental illnesses | | | | (DBSA) |
| 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 | | | | 800-826-3632 |
| cover mental health services to the same | | | | Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness |
| degree as other illnesses. When mental | | | | Serving Hands International |
| illnesses are covered, coverage may be | | | | 4607 Mission Gorge Place |
| limited, inappropriate, or inadequate. | | | | San Diego, CA 92120 |
| Words Can Heal | | | | 800-219-4854 |
| Here are six steps you can follow to | | | | National Alliance for the Mentally Ill |
| help end the stigma which surrounds | | | | Colonial Place Three |
| mental illness: | | | | 2107 Wilson Boulevard |
| 1. Learn more. Manyorganizations sponsor | | | | Suite 300 |
| nationwide programs about mental health | | | | Arlington, VA 22201-3042 |
| and mental illness. Several are listed | | | | The National Empowerment Center |
| at the end of this brochure. | | | | 20 Ballard Road |
| 2. Insist on accountable media. | | | | Lawrence, MA 01843 |
| Sometimes the media portray people who | | | | 800-769-3728 |
| have mental illnesses inaccurately, and | | | | The National Mental Health Association |
| this makes stereotypes harder to change. | | | | Information Center |
| 3. Obey the laws in the Americans with | | | | 2001 N. |