Disgrace. Shame. Mistrust. These are words that go hand in hand with stigma. And even though scientific research has shown otherwise, mental illness and addiction are still seen by many through a distorted lens as forms of indulgence, or weakness, or flaws in a person's character

Together we can reduce stigma and create positive change.

Among the many heartbreaking outcomes of stigma are silence and isolation. The result is that people in great pain remain quiet for fear of being  judged. As their isolation grows, the people in their lives become less willing to ask what's wrong.

The cycle perpetuates itself mainly because it prevents people from doing the one thing that will help the most: seek treatment.

Mental illness and addiction are real medical illnesses, just like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.

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Goals of the Stand Up to Stigma Campaign

The goals of the Stand Up to Stigma public awareness campaign are to:

  • Educate the public about the realities of mental health problems and addiction.
  • Offer steps we can all take to help reduce stigma.
  • Encourage people who need help to seek it without shame or fear.
  • Help increase empathy and understanding in our communities.
Facts about Mental Illness and Addiction

Don't people with mental health problems tend to be violent?
People will mental health problems are no more likely to act violently than anyone else in society. Only 3-5 percent of all violent acts can be attributed to people living with a serious mental illness. On the flip side, people with severe mental illness are more than 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.

Isn't mental illness fairly rare?
Actually, it's fairly common. According to government statistics, one in five adults experiences mental illness, and about one in ten young people experiences a period of major depression (mentalhealth.gov, 2014).

Are psychiatric disorders really "true" medical illnesses like diabetes and heart disease?
They are. Psychiatric illnesses are the result of problems with the functioning of the brain. These problems often have genetic, environmental and biological causes. And they can be treated effectively!

Can't people who are depressed just snap out of it if they try hard enough?
Depression has nothing to do with a person's character or willpower. It's the result of changes in the chemistry and function of the brain. Fortunately, medication and/or psychotherapy help most people recover from depression.

Do people really recover from mental illness?
Yes. With the proper treatment, most people who suffer from a mental illness recover and go on to lead productive, rewarding lives that include work, family, and community activities.

 

How You Can Stand Up to Stigma

Add your voice to help shift attitudes toward a more respectful, informed, and compassionate way of thinking about mental health and addiction.

Get the facts.
Stigmas about mental illness and addiction are often based on myths. Studies show that many people who experience these problems are productive members of society who can benefit from treatment.
Choose your words well.

Words matter.
Think about the terms you use to describe people who experience mental health problems or addictions. Never reduce people to a diagnosis. Engage in respectful dialogue with others who may use hurtful language.

Use your influence.
We’re all connected to one another. Be a voice for fairness and truth with your friends, family members, and the young
people in your life.

How to Increase Awareness and Understanding

Share how you help increase awareness and understanding of mental illness and addiction. And remember to:

  •     Be inclusive.
  •     Check your own attitudes.
  •     Practice empathy.
  •     Offer your support.
  •     Be positive.
  •     Share the truth.
  •     Challenge media stereotypes.

Mental illness and addiction are real medical illnesses, just like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. We believe that through education, empathy, and encouragement, people with mental illness and addiction can get the help they need and stand as equals in our society.

How to Get Involved

Get involved.

Engage with the people in your life and your community. Consider joining a peer support group or campaign that provides a safe platform to talk about how mental illness and addiction stigmas have affected you or someone you care about.

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a range of peer-directed programs providing education and support.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. AA meetings are available almost everywhere.
  • Narcotics Anonymous offers peer support for individuals who have struggledwith addiction.
  • Nar-Anon Family Groups offer 12-step programs for families and friends of people who suffer from addiction.
  • Al-Anon Family Support Groups are peer-led groups that offer support and understanding to friends and family of problem drinkers.
  • ActiveMinds is a leading nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking.

Resources:

Vermont Department of Mental Health: Find mental health services in your area

U Matter U Can Get Help provides resources and information related to youth suicide prevention.

Mantherapy.org, an interactive online mental health campaign targeting working age men (25-54) that employs humor to cut through stigma and tackle issues including depression and anxiety.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800--273-8255

The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center is dedicated to ensuring that people of all ages have the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and resources to reduce the risk of suicide.

Veterans Resource Locator

Vermont 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers.

Social Media:

Follow us in social media to see updates, photos, and videos related to the Stand Up to Stigma campaign and other initiatives aimed at raising awareness around mental health.

Take the Stand Up to Stigma Pledge

Join us in standing up to stigma!

Take the Pledge

How We Stand Up To Stigma

I teach my psychology students to avoid using language that minimizes mental illness and perpetuates stigma.
Richard Szymanski
I stand up to stigma by talking openly and frankly with my support system
Jack
I work in a high needs region and support the needs of three overly busy offices in the PA area. I work daily to educate patient that the brain and nervous system is no different that then heart and lungs. The deserve the same attention and care. Mental illness is no different than hypertension or diabetes. We need to provide care and support our patients and end the stigma of mental heath.
Tina Matthews Hayes, MSN, DNPs, CRNP-BC
Our Gallery features the work of dedicated artists in the surrealist and outsider art category who are often folks who suffer from mental illness. On these walls, there is no labeling.

Both we and our family members and our children have suffered through the generations with mental illness, and we would like to see our children and grandchildren fulfill their dreams and offer their abundant talents and intelligences to the community in appropriate ways and settings. This is a struggle but we persevere. We believe this is possible.
Suzanne Corsano
I am doing a project on awareness of mental health issues.
Kate Wilkinson
By admitting that I struggle with mental illness to others, and by admitting to myself that that doesn't mean I'm weak.
Brie
Acknowledging and respecting the pain and real effects of mental illness.
Katharine Robinson
Being a supportive friend, family member, and clinician.
J. Elliott Robinson
By talking opening about it
Julie Klompas
I share our story. To the best of my ability, I try to validate those who share theirs.
MH
I hear people call me ugly names cause of mental illness I tell them to look up the meaning of stigma then every mental illness so they can be educated on mental illness
Faith Kight
Educate people
Megan
We don't consider hair color or eye color a character flaw. Why then should someone's neurochemistry be any different? When I tore the ligaments in my knee, I realized there are some things I can't always fix on my own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness - it's a sign of maturity and strength.
Jeff Bower
Sharing my experience with maintaining mental health with friends , family and community, and in my work as a Legislator
Mike Mrowicki
I won't hesitate to tell my family's story. This amazingly gives others the freedom to unburden themselves by telling their story.

More and more of us find we are going through the same experiences. There is strength in numbers. More than a few times I've been thanked for simply stating truths--not in the halls that address these conditions behind closed doors, but in social and business situations.

This isn't a subject of shame. It's a subject of reality to be addressed fully and in the open.

Margaret Walker
I teach articles about mental health concerns in my college writing courses, and make sure our students know of the resources available to them if they need support. I teach literature by authors with psychological conditions to raise awareness, dispel myths about the romantic notions of depression and suicide, and as a way of showing others that writing is a powerful form of therapy.
Joann Deiudicibus
I am one of those you speak about who has mental illness & a history of addiction. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder & major depressive disorder & have battled opiate addiction. I am standing up to the stigma by being open about my mental illness & addiction history instead of remaining silent & just being a wallflower. I have experienced a lot of judgment from those who are uneducated on mental illness & don't realize you can't just stop being depressed when you want & the same thing goes with addiction. After years off struggling with both, I am now receiving treatment for both & while I'm not exactly where I want to be with my depression as I'm having a hard time trying to find a medication that will help me, I'm never going to stop trying to find happiness & peace of mind, literally. Lol.
Laura Sparrow
I stand up to the stigma by offering educational materials and provide honest answers to questions
Roynette
I remind others, such as in the workplace, that mental illness is a sickness the same as any physical ailment. It can be treated, is not their fault and we would not judge a patient who had a physical disability.
Laura M. Beelman
Will be there for anyone that has this problem because I'm going through it everyday of my life & no one understands what it is & means they just say it will be ok don't worry about it
Carrie