stigma

People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.

Crazy
When I had what I call, my breakdown, I was just out of an 18 year marriage. I had four beautiful children, who meant the world to me, no experience in a current job market and I felt alone, rejected, abandoned and very, very sad. My weekend alcoholic, husband had decided to leave me for another woman and I was overwhelmed and devastated. My world had come crashing down and I woke up one morning, sat on the sofa and started to cry uncontrollably. I cried for all of the above reasons, I cried basically, because I just couldn’t stop the tears. After about a week of no signs of the waterworks stopping, my kids started looking at me like I might be, well you know...CRAZY! I decided to ask around about what my lack of emotional control might mean?
By Marsha Morgan Medina8 years ago in Psyche
No, I Don't Think Your Joke Is Funny
The Millennial Generation is known as the generation that is offended by everything. We are told constantly that we take things too seriously, we’re too sensitive, and too self-righteous; we’re seen as a generation that needs to “grow up and stop whining” (Proud). Yet, as the micro, and not so micro, aggressions of our time continue to roar, I think it’s safe to say we have to question what the millennials are offended for. In the case of comedy, we come in contact with jokes which harness sexism, racism, and ableism for their own purposes. This is why I, an over-sensitive, too self-righteous, and concerned millennial, do not think your joke is funny.
By Emily Fritz8 years ago in Psyche
Still in the Dark
There is so much on the internet now about speaking your truth. It is a beautiful concept. One I hope more people take advantage of as time progresses. However, it isn't always easy to open up and let the truth pour out.
By Vanessa Cherron Riser8 years ago in Psyche
The Diary of a Broke, Anxious Woman Living with Depression
As a kid, I never knew. Sadly, mental health does not get covered in schools nearly enough, or at least it didn't when I was there. That's why I never even knew I was plagued with mental illness at such a young age. I just assumed what everyone assumed. I was a weird kid. There was no way I could've known any better.
By Waverleigh Rose Garlington8 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health Stigma
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University. While everyone was worried about what they were going to do after graduation, I was blessed to already have a job lined up.
By Marissa Hall8 years ago in Psyche
My Hidden Scars
Cutting yourself is for attention, right? Wrong. It’s all so familiar, the teen with cuts all down their arms, ridiculed by the same students that comment “scars are beautiful” for likes and an ego boost. It’s become a large part of social media, all based on stereotypes and judgements from ignorant reflections on a laptop screen.
By Lovatic Love8 years ago in Psyche
The R-Word Is Unacceptable Here or Anywhere
Dear Comedians, My name is Texxx-Man Cosplay and I'm not only a LGBTQ+ cosplayer, but I'm also a cosplayer with a disability. I was diagnosed with Autism, which is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. My autism is mild, meaning that I may find work settings more challenging than an individual with greater language challenges but fewer sensory or social problems. Later on in my adult life, I was diagnosed with Aspergers. As a kid, I struggled to communicate with the other children and was isolated all the time. Now as an adult, I still feel isolated from my friends and everyone that supports and loves me. I still go through so many challenges daily like I did in my younger years.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 8 years ago in Psyche
Why Are We Still Scared??!!
Sometimes, I can sit and think for a long time before starting a piece of writing. I plan it through carefully and thoughtfully, with a specific structure in mind before I start to type. Sometimes, however, I can simply see something or experience something, and with it there comes a sudden need to write all of my thoughts down with absolutely no structure or plan whatsoever. This particular piece of writing is a product of the latter.
By Laura .8 years ago in Psyche
This Is Why Men & Women Dealing with Mental Illness Don't Talk About It
“Shoot, if it was me, I’d take a vacation instead.” I could not believe my ears when I heard those words, but that is what the CVS Pharmacy tech said to me after I paid $143.60* for one of my monthly prescriptions. Without fail, every month when I pick this up, the tech asks me if I am aware that it costs $143, as if I should reply, “Oh, no thanks- I actually don’t need that medicine after all.”
By Stephanie King8 years ago in Psyche
We Must Stop Stigmatizing Mental Health
"She's mentally ill, therefore she is violent." Time and time again through my own long experience of mental health problems, and as a mental health champion, have I heard this. Yes, it is true, there are some mental health problems that can be violent at times, but it is THE 'mental health problem,' not the person, who is violent.
By Carol Ann Townend8 years ago in Psyche
Language and Mental Health
We all have used words to emphasize how we feel. "I feel depressed." "I'm OCD." "I'm having a panic attack." However, using language like this in everyday life may have a negative impact on those with mental illness. It contributes to stereotypes and creates stigma. These terms and phrases are often used incorrectly and may contribute to negative stereotypes about mental health issues.
By Lorraine Woiak8 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health and Self Employment
There's nothing I could think of, that could be worse than being employed. I couldn't get up at a certain time in the morning, waiting for the bus to start my shift.
By Summer Clarke8 years ago in Psyche