Seeing through Stigma

"You're being hysterical." "Your OCD is showing again." "Quit being so psycho." "Have you lost weight? You look anorexic." "You'll get over it, just be happy." "Just snap out of it." "This meeting made me want to kill myself." "This weather is so bipolar." It's no wonder why mental illnesses have such a negative stigma behind them when they are constantly referred to negatively in casual, everyday conversation. When it comes to mental illness, here are some big numbers that everyone should remember: 1 in 4 people are affected by mental illness. Over 60% of adults know someone who has been diagnosed with a mental health problem. Almost 50% of people with a mental illness face stigma and discrimination at LEAST once a month. Almost 60% of those who experience stigma say that the stigma and discrimination is as bad or WORSE than the mental illness itself. Between 60 and 70% of young adults say that stigma is what holds them back from getting help or talking to others about their mental health. The fight to end stigma is far from over so join us as we discuss the stigma behind mental health and how we all can band together to fight the stigma. "Every day brings new hope. Every day, we have an opportunity to help create broader understanding of mental health, overcome stereotypes and break down barriers. We can all do a little bit more each day to eliminate stigma and replace it with help and hope." - National Alliance on Mental Illness.