If mental illness is a type of disease, then why is it so much more embarrassing to have bipolar than diabetes? What’s the deal with that, and how I can change it?
Facts:
- Stigma spreads fear and misinformation, labels individuals, and perpetuates stereotypes.
- More than 60 per cent of people with mental health problems and mental illness won't seek the help they need. Stigma is one of the main reasons.
- Some 20 per cent of Canada’s population lives with a mental illness. That’s about seven million of us.
- But despite how common it is, mental illness continues to be met with widespread stigma: in hospitals, workplaces, schools, rural and urban communities and even among close friends and families.
- It occurs around the world, not confined within national boundaries or cultural groups.
Watch this video to hear other youth talk about the stigmatization of mental illness:
View the video here.
What can you do to stop the stigmatization of mental illness? Post your comments below.
Latest Stories
A workshop at the N’Amerind Friendship Centre in London, Ontario got participants to move, breathe, dance and take steps towards healing
Here’s what you need to know
The first week of February is dedicated to raising awareness and debunking stereotypes