stigma
People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.
Beating the Stigma
I will no longer allow my mental illness to define me. Being labeled as mentally ill has the potential to create difficulties in many ways. But giving in to the stigma behind mental illness, makes things worse for those who are already suffering. I hope that one day our society will be more accepting of those suffering from a mental illness. As a woman struggling with mental illness, it is only one small part of the many facets of my personality. I have a life story, a loving family and a personality that is separate from my diagnoses.
Lisa MichellePublished 6 years ago in PsycheMe, Myself, & The World
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Interesting. I wonder how many words a feeling is worth. Some days I feel like the colours outside are a little more dull than bright. On those days my coffee usually tastes really bland and I don't really have an appetite for breakfast. This usually brings forward drag your feet movements as if I'm stalling getting to my destination and the never escaping feeling of running and hiding under the covers in my bed. I would love to tell you that this passes and I eventually snap out of this zombie like state - but that would mean that I have this all figured out which to both of our luck I do not.
Chelsea PerronPublished 6 years ago in PsycheThe Black Stigma
I was born to two wonderful, loving parents. I am truly grateful for that. I used to make it a point to break every stereotype that was thrown at me. For example, I would style my hair a different way, listen to a different kind of music, make friends that were mostly white, and push myself to talk a certain kind of way. I would get told when I talked to adults, "You're so proper," and "You're not like those others kids." They never truly said it, but I always knew what they meant.
Tianna BriannePublished 6 years ago in Psyche5 Myths About Mental Illnesses
Mental illnesses come in all shapes and sizes. Since there are so many mental disorders, there is also tons of misinformation that gets circulated throughout our society. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I’m so O.C.D!”? Well, this my friends, is incorrect. Not only is obsessive compulsive disorder (O.C.D) not an adjective, it’s also not synonymous with “being neat.” There are plenty of other misconceptions about other mental illnesses floating around our societal consciousness and I am here to dispel a few.
Sarah FennellPublished 6 years ago in PsycheBell's "Let's Talk" Campaign Puts a Much Needed Face on Mental Health Awareness
One thing that I've noticed about every job that I've held is the measure of intolerance that exists in today's workplace towards people who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The unfortunate truth is that mental health issues aren’t given the same consideration that other medical conditions are given in today's world. I honestly can’t even count how many times I've heard co-workers make remarks such as "ADHD is nothing but an excuse."
'Don't Call Me Crazy'
Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, be it depression, anxiety, or otherwise. It's a statistic we have all heard of, and if you think about it, that figure is astounding! The stigma around mental health has been thrust into the limelight in the UK over recent years, and it's being recognised as being just as important as physical health and I couldn't be happier. I have battled depression on and off for most of my life and I finally feel in a place where I can openly discuss my struggles. It's not something you want to admit to people and you almost feel ashamed of yourself for feeling the way you have when there is so much to be thankful for in life. I am writing this open letter so I can stand up for others and let them know that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Your feelings matter and you aren't "crazy."
Laura McCarthyPublished 6 years ago in PsycheI'm Not Crazy
Since I was thirteen, I've been continuously called crazy. The older I got, the more common it was to hear those words come from anyone who knew me, whether it was on a personal level or from someone who only met me a month ago. The question always ran through my head: "Why am I crazy?" What have I actually done that earned me that title? Did I go on a rampage where I completely blacked out from anger and killed seven people because the voices in my head told me to do so? Was I sitting in my room alone, talking to the person that wasn't there about anything and everything and have no recollection of it? No, I can say with complete certainty that neither of those things happened. So, the question still remains. Why am I crazy?
Devin HubertPublished 6 years ago in Psyche- Top Story - January 2018
I Am Not a Patient
2013 was the year everything changed. It was dark time in my life a few years ago when everything familiar to me was changing—a period I can only describe as a complete breakdown of my mentality. So much had happened all at once. My heart was broken for the first time, I had just finished my GCSEs and left school with the obscure challenge of college looming. My Nan was ill and my mental health was rapidly declining—all of this at that frustrating age where you’re expected to act like an adult whilst still being treated like a child.
Meg BurchellPublished 6 years ago in Psyche Who Am I?
I am the person that people point and whisper about, the one that is frowned upon by some and ridiculed by many. I have severe depression. I am emotionally unstable and my anger knows no bounds. I wasn’t this person to begin with. When I was born I was undamaged. Perfectly formed things moved like a well-oiled machine. Now I feel old, tired, and desperate.
Nadine HaighPublished 6 years ago in PsycheO.C.D. Is An Acronym
The acronym O.C.D. stands for obsessive compulsive disorder. It's characterized by unreasonable thoughts or fears and is usually accompanied with anxiety and feelings of guilt. Ritualistic behaviors, such as the meaningless repeating of words or actions, are symptoms of O.C.D. as well as, compulsive hoarding, hyper vigilance, social isolation, agitation and hyperactivity. It's a havoc wreaking and burdening disorder but is often written over as someone's desire for cleanliness or organization.
Sarah FennellPublished 6 years ago in PsycheLet’s Talk About Mental Health
As of 2016, the suicide rate in America has peaked drastically. Most of the time, you look at a suicide and think, “Oh, that’s too bad.” But when it hits home, it’s the most unbearable pain to ever be felt.
Mary CaitlynPublished 6 years ago in PsycheBreak the Silence
What will other people think? Nearly everyone raised in the South Asian community will have heard their parents use this as a variable in their decision process. This constant focus on perception not only hinders progress but also perpetuates low emotional intelligence within the South Asian community.
Lakshmipriya ArunachalamPublished 6 years ago in Psyche