Stigma and Mental Illness Ill

What is stigma

Stigma refers to attitudes and beliefs that lead people to reject, avoid, or fear those they perceive as being different. different

What is discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when people and p p entities act upon these attitudes and beliefs in ways that can deprive others of th i rights and life opportunities. f their i ht d lif t iti Include behaviors that result in the exclusion or marginalization of others, as well as illegal acts of abuse or actions that deprive people of their civil rights, access to fair housing options, opportunities for employment, options employment education, and full participation in civic life.
California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

Mental Health Related Stigma

Public StigmaP bli Stigma- Attitudes and feelings expressed by the Sti
general public.

about mental illness become part of policies and p p practices.

Institutional Stigma- negative attitudes and behaviors Stigma-

Self Stigma- Internalized attitudes that keep and Stigmaindividual from seeking treatment.
California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

Experiences of Stigma

Studies to date St di t d t suggest th t various racial or t that i i l ethnic groups often experience and express stigma differently ti diff tl

California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009 g g g ,

Experiences of Stigma
Families and loved ones Children seeking help Youth in Foster care Racial and ethnic communities Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Older Adults Multiple disorder (co-occurring) (coVeteran and military Public and institutional
California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

10 most common experiences of stigma and discrimination

California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
% stigma experiences mentioned

Social S i l exclusion/lack of l i /l k f understanding Contact w ith m ental health Professionals Qulity of m ental Health Services Lim ited Access to em ploym ent Assigm ent of guilt and ow n responsibility Negative Media Representation Lack of K now ledge and inform ation Insecurity and Fear Secrecy Unequal tx of Mental Heatlh and Physical Illness y

Impact of Stigma
Housing Employment Education Mental Health Systems Medical M di l Criminal Justice Mortality Family/Social

Strategies
Anti stigma Anti-stigma leaders drew from the experiences of successful efforts on many different f t i l di disability rights, diff t fronts, including di bilit i ht civil rights, and other anti-discrimination and human rights efforts when they launched their first campaigns in the 1990s
California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

Stigma Reduction

Education Alone is Not E N t Enough h

California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

Stigma Reduction
Direct Contact Education Targeted Ed T t d Education ti Media Campaigns/Advocacy Advocacy, Coalition Building and Support Legal Advocacy

Stigma Reduction
California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination, 2009

programs that reduce disparities and reflect the values and beliefs of diverse populations populations. different age groups.

Core Principle 1: Implement culturally and linguistically competent strategies and Core Principle 2: Employ a life-span approach to effectively meet the needs of Core Principle 3: Involve a broad spectrum of the public, including mental health

consumers, family members, friends, caregivers, mental health and allied professionals, advocates, and agencies that interact with children, youth, adults, and older adults.

Core Principle 4: Address all types of stigma and anti-discrimination laws. Core Principle 5: Build upon promising practices and proven models.
are resilient and have the capacity for recovery, and that the best results in treatment for those experiencing mental health challenges come from voluntary programs that offer choice and options.

Core Principle 6: Recognize that individuals experiencing mental health challenges

California Blue Print for Stigma Reduction

SEE BLUEPRINT FOR REDUCING MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION