MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA IS BASED ON IGNORANCE, IS CRUEL, AND IS DEADLY

MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA IS BASED ON IGNORANCE, IS CRUEL, AND IS DEADLY

EDITOR’S NOTE:

“People with serious mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence, including but not limited to firearm violence, than the perpetrators of violent acts.

Rates of violent crime victimization are 12 times higher among the population of persons with serious mental illness than among the overall U.S. population.” (American Mental Health Counselors Association)

NAMI:

Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well. Learning how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us, especially when you realize stigma’s effects:

People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult.

Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability across the United States.

Even though most people can be successfully treated, less than half of the adults in the U.S. who need services and treatment get the help they need.

The average delay between the onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth ages 15-24 and the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans. (NAMI)