Aimee Leeb Pearson

I am a professional editor and writer with over 16 years of experience in start-ups, non-profits, and technology companies. Ask.com (IAC Publishing Labs) and Daimler Trucks North America (owned by Mercedes-Benz) are among my most recent clients. I pride myself on my ability to synthesize and simplify complex topics and procedures to meet the needs of any audience.
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How to Deal with the Stigma of Mental Illness

Published on How to Deal with the Stigma of Mental Illness

Introduction

Living with a mental illness can affect all aspects of your life including the way others perceive you. Even people who know you well and love you may view you differently after finding out that you have a mental illness.  Some may believe you can control your illness if you just had enough will-power.  Others might see you as unpredictable or even dangerous.  However, with some guidance, you can learn how to navigate the stigma of mental illness.

Steps

Step 1. Learn all the facts about your illness. Every mental illness has its own characteristics and holds its own set of challenges.  Knowing all you can about your particular illness will give you confidence when communicating with others.  The origin of stigma is fear of the unknown http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477. Once you feel comfortable in your own education, sharing it with others can alleviate and dispel some of the myths surrounding the subject of mental illness. People may surprise you with how accepting they can be once they understand more about your circumstances.

Step 2. Talk to loved ones and trusted friends. The people who love you can be your greatest allies in recovery. At the same time, they are also the ones most affected by your illness.  It can be very difficult and even frightening to see a spouse, a parent, a child, a co-worker or a best friend suffer from mental illness.  These individuals may need time and help to build trust in the relationship. Be patient with others and yourself.
•    Include loved ones in treatment. Allowing your family to be involved with your doctors and therapists will help them realize you are getting the care you need.
•    Understand the difference between self-stigma and social stigma; https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma.
It could be that some of the stigmas you are feeling come from within. Once you identify this, you will be better equipped to determine if others are treating you differently or it is your own perception.

Step 3. Join a support group. You are not alone. Support groups are a great way to surround yourself with people who have been where you are.  It’s an opportunity to share information, gain support and surround yourself with individuals who accept you unconditionally. Find support in your area through Mental Health America; http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups.

Step 4. Know your rights. The stigma of mental illness is a serious matter when it comes to discrimination.  Your housing security, your employment, and reputation can be jeopardized.  It’s important to educate yourself on your legal rights and protect your privacy. WebMD clearly outlines the ways in which individuals with mental illness are protected; http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/rights-mental-illness.


Tips

•    Take it one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity to re-engage in life and all its joys.
•    Don’t take it personally. You can decide what hurts you.
•    Be patient with yourself and others.
•    Keep in close contact with your mental health professionals. They are there to help.
•    Take care of yourself.  Keep to a regular sleep schedule, eat well, meditate, exercise and most of all remember to have some fun!

Warnings

•    Report all side effects, changes in your mood or behavior and any suicidal thoughts to your prescribing doctor.
•    If you have any thoughts of suicide, reach out for help; http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html has a list of hotlines available.
•    Remember that alcohol, psychoactive substances, caffeine and even sugar can affect the chemical balance of your brain and can impact the effectiveness of prescribed medications.

Sources and Citations

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/rights-mental-illness
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma
http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html