Stigma and Mental Illness

There are five levels of stigma that can affect your daily living experiences if you have a mental health disorder. Stigmatizing beliefs occur on a personal level, in the general public, within professions, via labels and by associative connections.1. Self Stigma is the self-blame you attach to your identity as being someone who has depression. Whether it ' s your personal or professional identity, you attach negative self-beliefs about your abilities or worthiness. These pessimistic beliefs can become such a part of your thinking style that you become passive and accepting of their power. In truth, the self-stigma you ' ve assigned yourself is not based in reality. To combat this experience, you need to educate yourself about that mental illness is a REAL illness. Disorders are largely neurobiological issues, not a result of laziness or weak character. Try using these more positive affirmations:" Depression is a real medical illness. "" I am much more than my mental illness. "" Living with a mental illness offers me greater insight and compassion. "2. Public stigma is the experience where myths and misinformation keep the general public fearful about mental illness. Commercials that make fun of someone with depression or anxiety might sell a product, but we ' d all agree it perpetuates stigma. Movies, television shows, newscasts and jokes that use mental illness as a tool for ridicule worsens pub...
Source: Dr. Deborah Serani - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Tags: stigma Source Type: blogs