Discrimination

&
Mental Illness

Background Info;

Started 50 years ago -1965

People with a mental disability live in shame

Less & less people are donating to organizations now

Not everyone dealing with a mental illness shows it
Mental illness has a bad name b/c of mass shootings
Discriminating against mental illness = Stigma (mark of
disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality,
or person)

Why?

Society is not used to someone being different

Past unfortunate events create a sort of stereotype
A mental illness is out of someones control
Race/ethnicity
Sexual Orientation
Gender
Non-sympathetic

What?

No control
Difference in appearance & verbalization
Fear
Prejudice
Non-caring

Will it affect the

mentally ill?

Stress in every way, shape, or form

Lowers immune system

Need to seek professional help

Physical side affects to stress; headaches, jaw pain, trouble
sleeping, change of appetite, mood swings, feeling
overwhelmed.

Self-harm
Suicide
Low self-esteem

Is it becoming an
issue?

Not commonly spoken about

Not considered important
Low funds for proper medication
No interest/awareness
Increasing the numbers of people dealing with discrimination
The lowest talked about challenge

References
Davey, G. C. L. (2013, August). Mental health & stigma. Psychology today. 202(55). Retrieved

from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma

Mento, M. (2014, March). Staffing, not stigma, is the biggest fundraising challenge for mental

health charities. The chronicle

of philanthropy.
Retrieved from https://philanthropy.com/article/Staffing-Not-Stigma-Is/153419

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual
populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological bulletin, 129(5), 674-697.

Mossakowski, K. N. (2003). Coping with perceived discrimination: Does ethnic identity protect

mental health?. Journal of

health and social behavior, Vol. 44. No. 3, 318-327.

Ricci, M. (2009). Living with a mental health condition. National alliance on mental illness.
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition

Tasman, A. (1992). Stigma and mental illness.

USA. American Psychiatric Press, Inc. (4)

Time to change. (2012). The stand up kid. [Youtube]. Available from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE5Ip60_HJk

Retrieved from