stigma
People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.
Mental Health Is Just as Important as Physical Health, So Why Do We look At It So Differently?
I remember being at college and thinking, "If I had a broken arm, people wouldn't question why I sit out of lessons some days." I almost wished that I had some sort of visible illness/injury instead, just so people wouldn't judge or even query why I was doing the things that I was. I wasn't ashamed or embarrassed about having a mental illness, but I felt that people wouldn't understand if I said it was the reason why I behaved in certain ways. It's sad to think that we live in a generation where it's easier to make up a physical excuse than to say that we are having a bad day with our mental health.
By Issy Woods7 years ago in Psyche
How to End the Mental Health Stigma
For a few years now, I have been a strong supporter in trying to raise awareness against the mental health stigma. In my junior year of high school, I was put on medication for anxiety, but I had been dealing with anxiety and depression long before that, and even to this day. At first, I was embarrassed about being medicated because I thought that made me weak. In reality, that was not the case. It was a few months after when I first heard the song "Bird Set Free" by Sia. Sia, who has bipolar disorder, wrote this song to show others that you can fly high even if you suffer from something that others believe to limit your abilities. Since I have heard this song, I have been trying to fight the mental health stigma that exists in our society today.
By Ishani and Shelby7 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health Stigmas Exposed
What comes to mind when you think of a person with a mental illness? Do you steer clear of and distance yourself socially from people who suffer from mental illness? Do you think of someone who is dangerous or harmful to your well being? This is the result of mental health and illness stigmas.
By Alyssa Rolfs7 years ago in Psyche
The Stigma and the Unattainable Notion of Normal
I have a different family dynamic. My brother, whom I love with every ounce of my being but simultaneously get annoyed by, is on the spectrum. The “spectrum” is a tricky thing, because I can’t quite explain what end he’s on, or how far left or right he is. I just know that there’s something slightly off, as there always has been, which leaves me as the normal child. Me—normal—yikes.
By Shara Faith7 years ago in Psyche
A Non-Judgmental Perspective on Suicide
What is 'Stigma'? Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. In some ways, the stigma around mental disorders can be more dangerous than the disorder itself. The disorders can usually be managed and improved with the proper medical care but due to the stigma surrounding it, many feel too embarrassed to speak up and ask for the help that they need.
By Kristin Wilson7 years ago in Psyche
Here's Why You're Not Actually Bringing Mental Health Awareness
The discussion of mental health, and raising mental health awareness, is on a rapid uprise as more and more people are becoming comfortable with speaking about their troubles. Whilst some may argue that mental health awareness is creating a significant impact on society, and is destroying the marginalisation and stigmatisation of those who do struggle with mental health issues- I'd have to disagree. Of course, I believe that raising awareness towards mental health is a good thing that has achieved somewhat successful in its purpose. However, I also believe that we, as a society, have become lazy with our awareness and aren't being inclusive, which has created more negative impacts than positive.
By 7 years ago in Psyche
It's Time to Change the Ending
Let’s talk about some dirty words like depression, bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, suicide, and I could go on. Why are these dirty words you're asking? There is a stigma with these words, and no one wants to talk about them because of the ridicule, humiliation and nonstop judgment. Get a bar of soap and wash those filthy words out of your mouth.
By Scarlett Price7 years ago in Psyche
A Word to Anti-Western Medicine People
The only tool I have to control anything is my medication. Every skill has to be tied into emotion. The second my emotions escape my control, I manifest my abilities in extreme ways. We all know that in the real world we have to maintain a cover, as well as hide our abilities in general. Using it on some people can outright scare the poor things to death. I worry about having any friends at all because I’m wondering how they will take my abilities. Around other pagans, I feel somewhat safe. Somehow my abilities have been a constant source of paranoia for me.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez7 years ago in Psyche
Living with Anxiety (and Friends that Don’t Understand It)
I’ve always been an anxious child—swimming lessons consisted of me sitting on the side crying until it was time to go home. Secondary school was fine, other than the obvious reasons to be anxious: Exams, sports day, etc.
By Zoe Newton7 years ago in Psyche
