Stigmatization of Mental Health Issues
According to the Mayo Clinic, stigmatization of mental health issues can cause harmful effects, including:
- Reluctance to seek help or treatment
- Lack of understanding by family, friends, or co-workers
- Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities
- Trouble finding housing
- Bullying, violence or harassment
- Health insurance that does not adequately cover mental illness treatment
Stigma “almost always stem(s) from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Reference:
The Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019) Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477 February 11, 2019.
How Can I Cope With Stigma?
According to the Mayo Clinic,
- Get treatment
- Don’t let stigma create self-doubt or shame
- Don’t isolate yourself
- Don’t equate yourself with your illness
- Join a support group
- Get help at school
- Speak out against stigma
Reference:
The Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019) Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477 February 11, 2019.
Information Resources
Books
This is a small selection of ebooks available through the Clarkson Libraries. Click image to access. Search the library catalog or ask a librarian for help if you want to find others (either ebooks or print).