Destigmatising Mental Illnesses - Know More!

Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

• Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24.
• Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype).
• Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. 

Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:

• Reluctance to seek help or treatment
• Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing
• Bullying, physical violence or harassment
• Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment
• The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

Coping with stigma:

 Some ways you can deal with stigma:

• Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don't let the fear of being labelled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief 
• Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counselling, educating yourself about your condition may help you to foster your self-esteem.
• Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. 
• Join a support group. Some local and national groups offer local programs and internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people who have a mental illness, their families and the general public. 
• Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instil courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.

Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognise what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.