{"id":1263,"date":"2015-03-11T14:11:42","date_gmt":"2015-03-11T13:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.psychologyandi.com\/?p=1263"},"modified":"2015-03-11T18:30:46","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T17:30:46","slug":"4-ways-end-mental-health-stigma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.psychologyandi.com\/4-ways-end-mental-health-stigma\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you must pledge to end Mental Health Stigma"},"content":{"rendered":"

My previous articles on\u00a0mental health<\/a> were\u00a0fully nourished with its detailed explanations, and they all proclaim the fact that, there are no age restrictions for mental health disorders. Mental illness<\/a> is common to\u00a0all age groups, races, economic groups, creeds, and colors. With all sincerity, stigma has been one of the barriers inhibiting the total treatment and eradication of mental health disorders. It is now time to pledge to decrease mental health stigma.<\/p>\n

\"Mental<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, people who have mental health disorders <\/a>have been at the receiving end of stigma for ages. Mental health stigma is described as a\u00a0widespread, systemic devaluing in our society against people with mental illnesses. Mental health stigma is when you are being avoided, remarked or viewed in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or trait (negative one)\u00a0of person dealing with mental health issues and being perceived you could be unstable.<\/p>\n

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“I’ve experienced mental health problems for most of my life and was\u00a0hospitalized\u00a0for 10 months, so I know how it feels to deal with the stigma of mental ill-health.\u00a0I’ve lost friends and have felt alienated by people who don’t understand that, despite my illness, I’m still the same person.<\/em><\/p>\n

“I know first-hand that with the right facts and information, the stigma of mental ill-health can be reduced.” –\u00a021 year old Lynsey Pattie<\/strong>,\u00a0a volunteer with The Scottish Association for Mental Health.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"stigma\"<\/p>\n

Why the stigma?<\/h5>\n

The major reason why mental illness is being stigmatized is of its\u00a0misconception. People tend to misunderstand and personally judge\u00a0a person that deviates from their (people’s)\u00a0idea of normal. They think all mental illnesses make one crazy. It’s high time we stop making those with mental illness feel guilty, which can often deprive them of seeking treatment.<\/p>\n

Note this:\u00a05 Consequences of Low Self-Esteem<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Why must it be reduced?<\/h5>\n

Having seen the harmful effects stigma has on people who have mental illness. Several organisations are being setup for anti-discrimination campaigns. Followings are some of the harmful effects of mental health stigma:<\/p>\n

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