Before You Label People, Look At Their Contents

When mental illnesses are used as labels-depressed,transportation. Mental illnesses are considered a
schizophrenic, manic, or hyperactive-these labels hurt.disability covered under the ADA.
Labels lead to stigma -- a word that means branding4. Recognize and appreciate the contributions to
and shame. And stigma leads to discrimination.society made by people who have mental illnesses.
Everyone knows why it is wrong to discriminatePeople who have mental illnesses are major
against people because of their race, religion, culture,contributors to American life-from the arts to the
or appearance. They are less aware of how peoplesciences, from medicine to entertainment to
with mental illnesses are discriminated against.professional sports.
Although such discrimination may not always be5. Treat people with the dignity and respect we all
obvious, it exists-and it hurts.deserve. People who have mental illnesses may
Words Can Be Poisoninclude your friends, your neighbors, and your family.
The stigma of mental illness is real, painful, and6. Think about the person-the contents behind the
damaging to the lives of people with mental illness.label. Avoid labeling people by their diagnosis. Instead
Stigma prevents them from getting the treatmentof saying, "She's a schizophrenic," say, "She has a
and support they need to lead healthy, normal lives.mental illness." Never use the term "mentally ill."
Stigma discourages people from getting help. At anyPrograms to End Stigma
given time, one in four adults and one in five childrenMany National and State groups have begun projects
experience a mental health problem. Early andand campaigns to reverse stigma. These groups
appropriate services can be the best way to preventoffer a range of programs and materials, from
an illness from getting worse. Many people don't seekspeakers bureaus to training programs for mental
such services because they don't want to be labeledhealth professionals. To get involved, call them. And
as "mentally ill" or "crazy."to learn more about mental health, call SAMHSA's
Stigma keeps people from getting good jobs andNational Mental Health Information Center at
advancing in the workplace. Some employers are800-789-CMHS (2647).
reluctant to hire people who have mental illnesses.SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),P.O. Box 42557
such discrimination is illegal. But it still happens!Washington, DC 20015
Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence. Even800-789-CMHS (2647)
though the vast majority of people who have mentalWorld Wide Web:
illnesses are no more violent than anyone else, theE-mail: hsa.gov/
average television viewer sees three people withThe Anti-Stigma Project
mental illnesses each week-and most of them are1521 South Edgewood Street, Suite C
portrayed as violent. Such inaccurate portrayals leadBaltimore, MD 21227
people to fear those who have mental illnesses.Phone 410-646-0262 , 800-704-0262 , or
Stigma results in prejudice and discrimination. ManyFax 410-646-0264
individuals try to prevent people who have mentalDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
illnesses from living in their neighborhoods.730 North Franklin Street, Suite 501
Stigma results in inadequate insurance coverage.Chicago, IL 60610
Many insurance plans do not cover mental health800-826-3632
services to the same degree as other illnesses. WhenErasing the Stigma of Mental Illness Serving Hands
mental illnesses are covered, coverage may beInternational
limited, inappropriate, or inadequate.4607 Mission Gorge Place
Words Can HealSan Diego, CA 92120
Here are six steps you can follow to help end the800-219-4854
stigma which surrounds mental illness:National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
1. Learn more. Manyorganizations sponsor nationwideColonial Place Three
programs about mental health and mental illness.2107 Wilson Boulevard
Several are listed at the end of this brochure.Suite 300
2. Insist on accountable media. Sometimes the mediaArlington, VA 22201-3042
portray people who have mental illnessesThe National Empowerment Center
inaccurately, and this makes stereotypes harder to20 Ballard Road
change.Lawrence, MA 01843
3. Obey the laws in the Americans with Disabilities800-769-3728
Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination againstThe National Mental Health Association Information
people with disabilities in all areas of public life,Center
including housing, employment, and public2001 N.