Friday Funny:Merry Christmas!

Struggling With Stigma: “The Doubters”

People to which you disclose your mental illness generally fall into one of two categories: those that are supportive, and those that are “doubters”. Sadly, most people fall into the latter category and often perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illness.

I like this article because it describes many situations during which “the doubters'” preconceived ideas and misunderstandings of mental illness are illustrated. Very often, the “doubters” are not malicious, they simply do not understand mental illness and the affect it has on one’s life. This is why it is so important for the mental health community to come forward and be open about our experiences in order to begin to change the way people view mental illness.

via The Mighty

Friday Funny: A Good Time

Kevin Pierre-Louie Publicly Tackles Depression Stigma

“Candid conversations in the public eye are needed in order for society to be more accepting when it comes to mental health issues.”

Read Kevin’s story via Huffington Post.

A “Socially Acceptable Life”?

 We have all felt that panic in social situations: the fear and pain of answering that simple question, “So what do you do?”. Generally a response such as “I try not to die” is not socially acceptable. But that nagging inevitable question “What do you do?” is the type of conversation that can deflate your self-esteem and invite self-inflicting insults such as “I am a pathetic loser“.

“Success” can be defined in many ways. What is “normal” or “socially acceptable” may simply not be a proper yard stick by which to measure yourself if you have a mental illness. For you, a “normal” accomplishment may be attending all of you appointments that week, or consistently taking your medications as prescribed.

So when the dreaded small-talk question “What do you do?” is asked, remember not to harshly judge yourself by a “socially acceptable” yard stick. Most of us? What we do? We do the best we can.

via The Mighty

Three Levels of Stigma

stig·ma

noun. 

1. a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

There are three levels of stigma associated with metal illness: self, social, and structural.

 

• Self-Stigma: Believing you are a devalued member of society because of your mental illness.
• Social-Stigma: Pressure to stay “closeted” in order to avoid damaged relationships, employment, housing and/or opportunities.
• Structural-Stigma: Rules, policies and procedures of socialite institutions that restrict the rights and/or opportunities of those with a mental illness.

via CrestBD