Stigma
An unfortunate reality is that bipolar disorder (manic depression) and other mental illnesses are often stigmatized. Many people fail to seek help because they fear being labeled as crazy, dangerous, unreliable, or even contagious. Why is this, and what can be done about it? Found here are articles examining the issues and false assumptions that are often made by the ignorant.
Perspective on Guns and Mental Illness
The Virginia Tech shootings in April 2007 brought the issue of guns and mental illness very much in the public eye. The U.S. Congress, responding, passed a measure to strengthen existing laws regarding the purchase of firearms by some people with mental illnesses. Speaking about the House bill, National Rifle Association president Wayne LaPierre used language that anyone with any form of mental illness would find extremely offensive - mentally defective.
The Virginia Tech shootings in April 2007 brought the issue of guns and mental illness very much in the public eye. The U.S. Congress, responding, passed a measure to strengthen existing laws regarding the purchase of firearms by some people with mental illnesses. Speaking about the House bill, National Rifle Association president Wayne LaPierre used language that anyone with any form of mental illness would find extremely offensive - mentally defective.
Become a NAMI StigmaBuster
NAMI StigmaBusters is a group of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight the inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illness. StigmaBusters' goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect.
NAMI StigmaBusters is a group of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight the inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illness. StigmaBusters' goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect.
Label Maker
"Donna has a mental illness. Donna is to be feared. Is she crazy? Is it catchy? I can assure you the answers are no, but such begins the stigma of having a chronic illness." Highly recommended.
"Donna has a mental illness. Donna is to be feared. Is she crazy? Is it catchy? I can assure you the answers are no, but such begins the stigma of having a chronic illness." Highly recommended.
Miswired Minds
People express their prejudices carefully these days. Sexism and racism and supposedly taboo Jokes about physical handicaps are condemned as tasteless. Nobody shuns cancer patients any more. But people with mental illness are still fair game.
People express their prejudices carefully these days. Sexism and racism and supposedly taboo Jokes about physical handicaps are condemned as tasteless. Nobody shuns cancer patients any more. But people with mental illness are still fair game.
My Turn
Brilliant essay about how society views mental illnesses as anything but a "real" illness.
Brilliant essay about how society views mental illnesses as anything but a "real" illness.
STIGMA: Building Awareness and Understanding
It is easy to forget that our brain, like all of our organs, is vulnerable to disease. Unfortunately, because people with mental illnesses often suffer from symptoms which are behavioral, they are thought of differently than people with physical ailments. Instead of receiving compassion and support, people with mental illnesses may be greeted by unsympathetic, unfair or hostile responses.
It is easy to forget that our brain, like all of our organs, is vulnerable to disease. Unfortunately, because people with mental illnesses often suffer from symptoms which are behavioral, they are thought of differently than people with physical ailments. Instead of receiving compassion and support, people with mental illnesses may be greeted by unsympathetic, unfair or hostile responses.
Stigma Stomper
Frivolous use of words can perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
Frivolous use of words can perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.