Myths and facts about mental illness
What do you think when you hear the term mental illness? Incurable, runs in families, affects weak people, get over it, don't want to know?
1 in 5 South Australians experiences mental illness. While you’re thinking about who in your life that might be (a family member, a friend, a colleague), take a moment to consider that it’s hard enough to cope with a mental illness without being judged.
Stigma = stereotyping + prejudice + discrimination
One of the biggest obstacles for people experiencing or recovering from mental illness is confronting the attitudes of other people. Why should anyone face isolation and discrimination just for having an illness?
Stigma can bring about feelings of:
As a community, we should all play a part in supporting people with mental illness. Social inclusion is an easy way to start. Everyone should make conscious efforts to reduce discrimination. The more hidden mental illness remains, the more people continue to believe that it is shameful and needs to be concealed.
Thanks to the Mental Health Commission of WA for information about stigma in mental illness.