An estimated 50 million Americans experience a mental disorder in a given year, yet people with mental illness would rather tell their employers they have committed a petty crime and were in jail than admit to being in a psychiatric hospital. Why? Because of the stigma that is associated with mental illnesses.
Stigma results in fear, mistrust, and violence against people living with mental illnesses. Stigma prevents people from receiving needed mental health services. Stigma is a barrier and discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need due to fear of being discriminated against.
source: SAMHSA
For more resources about overcoming the stigma of mental illness go to :
From Exclusion to Belonging: Transforming Mental Health Care in America
Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness |
