The Anti-Stigma Campaign strives to inspire, educate, and encourage individuals of all ages to support friends and family who are facing mental health challenges. Several public campaigns are spearheaded by various organizations; others are focused on sparking awareness amongst specific age groups, such as young children or adults in the workplace. However, no matter a person’s age or organization, the mission remains the same: erasing stigmas in favour of support.
The Campaign Background
Various studies report that the general public tends to endorse stigmatized attitudes toward those suffering from mental illness[1]. As Corrigan notes, stereotyping mentally ill people and their symptoms often results in social stigma. For example, a person engaged in conversation with himself may be seen as crazy, and most people associate being crazy with being dangerous. Amplifying someone else’s symptoms without understanding their situation often results in discrimination and false conclusions. Unfortunately, this is a common situation dozens of mentally ill people face every day.
In another study, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported there were 21.4 million people suffering from serious psychological distress in 2005. At the time of publication, the age group suffering most from mental illnesses was 18- to 25-year-olds; yet, this group sought help less often than all others.[2] The leading reason these individuals deferred help was due to the stigma that comes with a mental health diagnosis. Navigating early adulthood is a sensitive, trying part of life that requires no additional obstacles—especially not something as all-encompassing as a social stigma. According to Livingston & Boyd (2010), individuals with mental health issues also cope with low self-esteem, the perception of poor quality of life, limited social support, and even total exclusion from social circles.[3]
Effects of Stigma on Recovery
Mental health recovery is a journey of transformation and healing that enables a mentally ill person to begin living a meaningful life in their community, while also trying to achieve their full potential. Recovery and improved quality of life are highly probable within a society of acceptance[4]. Perlick et. al. (2001) back this statement by revealing that stigma not only affects the quality of daily life but that it has a significant impact on treatment outcomes. This makes stigmatization a roadblock to effective and efficient recovery.[5]
The Impact of the Anti-stigma Campaign
Various anti-stigma campaigns led by different organizations around the country fuel hope for a society that supports and respects people with mental health problems. The movement to change public opinion by imparting knowledge also includes challenging stereotypes portrayed in the media and entertainment industries. In fact, one such movement that has gained publicity includes Halloween costumes depicting exaggerated versions of the mentally ill.[6] Mass participation, social media, and inter-group relations are additional avenues of change being explored by the Anti-Stigma Campaign to halt stigmatization.
[1] Sourced from: Mental Health Stigma as Social Attribution: Implications for Research Methods and Attitude Change
[2] Sourced from: Mental Health National Anti-Stigma Campaign
[3] Sourced from: Correlates and consequences of internalized stigma for people living with mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
[4] Sourced from: Mental Health National Anti-Stigma Campaign
[5] Sourced from: Adverse Effects of Perceived Stigma on Social Adaptation of Persons Diagnosed With Bipolar Affective Disorder
[6] Sourced from: Changing Minds, Changing Lives