If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mental illness, there is no reason to be ashamed. Millions of people suffer from some type of mental illness. You should get the appropriate treatment for it. Don't let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness. Surround yourself with supportive people; because, stigma can lead to social isolation. It is very important to stay in touch with family and friends, who are understanding. Isolation can make you feel even worse. Make your expectations known. People may not know how to support you, even if they want to help. Offer specific suggestions and remind people of appropriate language. Share your experiences with others. Speaking at events can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and also educate the public aboout mental illness. Until you gain confidence, you may want to start at small events, such as talks at a support group or a local chapter of a national advocacy group.
In conclusion, you should join a support group. Some local and national groups have programs to watch for and correct archaic stereotypes, misinformation and disrespectful portrayals with mental illness. That will alleviate or eliminate the shame and stigma associated with the illness.
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3 comments:
I agree with you post. Many people around the world suffer from mental illness and it affects every ethnic group, race, and gender. Having people who do have the illnesses speak at events is a great way to bring awareness to the general public of these illnesses. Nowadays there are so many different types of drug treatments and therapies out there that noone should be able to find a way to get help.
As already stated, people from anywhere and any walk of life can suffer from a mental illness. It would seem that with knowing that the stigma could be handled by remembering that you or a loved one could develop a mental illness, too and so how would you or your loved one like to be treated. Keeping that thought in mind, it would seem the best thing to do to help people with a mental illness is to be there, be supportive and loving. It has been said that "love can build a bridge", so just maybe in the case of stigma of having a mental illness, the best remedy is to love everyone and show others that those with mental illnesses need love, too and are not any different than everyone else.
I agree with you. Someone should seek treatment for an illness, no matter what it is, regardless of how society will view them. People should know that it affects people in every walk of life. Illnesses are not prejudice.
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