END THE STIGMA

• Stigma is a set of negative beliefs society has toward something or someone.    
• Many people’s mental health problems are made worse by the stigma and discrimination they may experience from society, families, friends, and employers.
• When we treat someone differently, we may be stigmatizing them based on ideas about mental illness that come from inaccurate news reports or over dramatized movies and TV shows.

Effects of Mental Health Stigma

*Feelings of shame, hopelessness, or isolation

*Reluctance to seek help or treatment

*Lack of understanding from family and friends

*Self-doubt

How to Fight the Stigma against Mental Health

*Talk openly about mental health

*Educate yourself and others

*Be conscious of language

*Encourage equality between physical and mental health

*Show compassion

*Choose empowerment