This guide discusses the impacts of mental illness on those experiencing mental health issues and provides resources for healthcare professionals to support these patients.
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).
- Diversity Issues in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research of Mood Disorders – by Sana Loue and Martha Sajatovic
- Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: The Evidence for Stigma Change – contributors: Committee on the Science of Changing Behavioral Health Social Norms; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
- The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change – by Stephen P. Hinshaw
- Media Madness: Public Images of Mental Illness – by Otto F. Wahl
- Telling Is Risky Business: Mental Health Consumers Confront Stigma – by Otto F. Wahl
Articles
Countering the stigmatisation and discrimination of people with mental health problems in Europe
– Directorate-General for Health & Consumers- Supporting Community Inclusion & Non-Discrimination – NAMI
- The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among the Homeless in Western Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis – by Seena Fazel, Vivek Khosla, Helen Doll, and John Geddes
- The Stigma of Mental Illness Is Making Us Sicker – Psychology Today
- Study Shows Mentally Ill More Likely to Be Victims, Not Perpetrators, of Violence – Matt Shipman, North Carolina State University News
- Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness – Patrick W Corrigan and Amy C Watson
Web Resources
Legal Resources
Mental Health Law
Mental Hygiene Legal Services – Supreme Court of the State of New York
- NY Mental Hygiene Law
Discrimination Law
- 29 U.S. Code Chapter 8 – FAIR LABOR STANDARDS – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- 29 U.S. Code Chapter 28 – FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- 29 U.S. Code Subchapter V – RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- 42 U.S. Code Chapter 21F – PROHIBITING EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF GENETIC INFORMATION – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- 42 U.S. Code Chapter 126 – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- 42 U.S. Code Subchapter VI – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
- NY State Paid Family Leave
Other Resources
Collections
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Bullying
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Cyberbullying
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Eating Disorders
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Mental Disorders
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Mental Health
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Service & Emotional Support Animals
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints – Suicide