Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness

What will help diminish or eliminate the stigma associated with Mental Illness?

A ~ awareness

C ~ compassion

E ~ education

Mental health disorders are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions of the brain that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD). The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental health disorders are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.

Mental illness is thought to be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

By raising the awareness of available resources and support we can help alleviate the shame, guilt and condemnation that prevents those suffering from getting the help they need.

By educating ourselves, we can better render aid and/or support to our friends and loved ones who struggle with mental illness.