What is stigma?
Stigma is a phenomenon that sets a person or group of people apart from others…Learn more
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Why is this topic important?
No one is immune to mental illness and at least one out of five will be affected…Learn more
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Myths & Facts
Myths fuel stigma. Take a first step to breaking it by educating yourself and others…Learn more
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Real stories
Read about other people's experience to learn and increase understanding…Learn more
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About this website…
Despite the fact that mental illness is very common and is experienced by at least one in five adults, it is still not nearly as accepted as a physical illness. How come we often reach out a helping hand to a person with a physical illness or disability, while turning our back on a person with a mental issue who needs help and acceptance just as much? It is not uncommon that the individual with a mental illness experiences a bigger burden of stigma than of the illness itself. This website will be looking at why in particular mental illness is stigmatized and what can be done to prevent it. It will be done by first exploring the background of stigma including its historical perspective and theoretical explanations, followed by current perceptions and different methods of prevention. This website was developed as a project for a Health Communication course at Wright State University, where I, the creator, currently am an international student. My interest in the topic of mental health began as I took a psychology course in high school and later on decided to pursue education toward becoming a clinical Psychologist. Before I entered the field myself, my knowledge and experience of mental illness was limited and primarily based on ignorant stereotypes and prejudices that exist in our society. By gaining knowledge through education and experience by working with clients in different organizations, therapeutic sessions and psychiatric hospitals, my view of mental illness has changed. My own experience of change, as well as stories from clients and people I have worked with, have inspired me to get more insight and understanding of the complex phenomenon of stigma related to mental illness, but also to share this knowledge. |
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