| 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 branding | | | | 4. 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 discriminate | | | | People 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 people | | | | sciences, from medicine to entertainment to |
| with mental illnesses are discriminated against. | | | | professional sports. |
| Although such discrimination may not always be | | | | 5. 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 Poison | | | | include your friends, your neighbors, and your family. |
| The stigma of mental illness is real, painful, and | | | | 6. 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 treatment | | | | of 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 any | | | | Programs to End Stigma |
| given time, one in four adults and one in five children | | | | Many National and State groups have begun projects |
| experience a mental health problem. Early and | | | | and campaigns to reverse stigma. These groups |
| appropriate services can be the best way to prevent | | | | offer a range of programs and materials, from |
| an illness from getting worse. Many people don't seek | | | | speakers bureaus to training programs for mental |
| such services because they don't want to be labeled | | | | health 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 and | | | | National Mental Health Information Center at |
| advancing in the workplace. Some employers are | | | | 800-789-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. Even | | | | 800-789-CMHS (2647) |
| though the vast majority of people who have mental | | | | World Wide Web: |
| illnesses are no more violent than anyone else, the | | | | E-mail: hsa.gov/ |
| average television viewer sees three people with | | | | The Anti-Stigma Project |
| mental illnesses each week-and most of them are | | | | 1521 South Edgewood Street, Suite C |
| portrayed as violent. Such inaccurate portrayals lead | | | | Baltimore, MD 21227 |
| people to fear those who have mental illnesses. | | | | Phone 410-646-0262 , 800-704-0262 , or |
| Stigma results in prejudice and discrimination. Many | | | | Fax 410-646-0264 |
| individuals try to prevent people who have mental | | | | Depression 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 health | | | | 800-826-3632 |
| services to the same degree as other illnesses. When | | | | Erasing the Stigma of Mental Illness Serving Hands |
| mental illnesses are covered, coverage may be | | | | International |
| limited, inappropriate, or inadequate. | | | | 4607 Mission Gorge Place |
| Words Can Heal | | | | San Diego, CA 92120 |
| Here are six steps you can follow to help end the | | | | 800-219-4854 |
| stigma which surrounds mental illness: | | | | National Alliance for the Mentally Ill |
| 1. Learn more. Manyorganizations sponsor nationwide | | | | Colonial 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 media | | | | Arlington, VA 22201-3042 |
| portray people who have mental illnesses | | | | The National Empowerment Center |
| inaccurately, and this makes stereotypes harder to | | | | 20 Ballard Road |
| change. | | | | Lawrence, MA 01843 |
| 3. Obey the laws in the Americans with Disabilities | | | | 800-769-3728 |
| Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against | | | | The National Mental Health Association Information |
| people with disabilities in all areas of public life, | | | | Center |
| including housing, employment, and public | | | | 2001 N. |