An introductory text reads, the stigma of mental illness is pervasive, but with knowledge and determination, we can defeat it. To be effective, we must understand that sigma exists at multiple levels; it is present in our institutions, our communities, and sometimes even our own minds. We can target each of these levels with specific strategies (Corrigan and Al-Khouja, 2018; National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016).
The various problems are Institutional problems, community problems, and self-stigma problems.
Institutional problems: An illustration shows building icons at the center of the infographic. Silhouettes of five houses in a row are shown above, in which one house is darkly shaded with an x mark beside it. Text below reads, prejudicial laws and policies, unfair hiring practices, housing discrimination, non-inclusive cultures. A text box below reads as follows: what can you do. Vote for political candidates who support equal opportunity initiatives, write letters to public officials, support businesses with fair employment practices, get involved in government, engage in peaceful protest. (National academics of sciences, engineering, and medicine, 2016).
Community problems: An illustration shows silhouettes of three men at the center of the infographic. Silhouettes of seven men in a row are shown above in which one man is darkly shaded with an x mark beside him. Text below reads, stereotypes, demeaning labels, social exclusion, negative media portrayals of mental illness. A text box below reads as follows: what you can do. Talk openly about mental health and treatment, stand up for people with mental disorders, if the media reinforces stigma, write a letter to the editor, or start a conversation on social media, use people-first language, show compassion and empathy. (Cuttler and Ryckman, 2019; Greenstein, 2017, October 11; HarnEnz, 2016, November 14).
Self-stigma problems: An illustration shows silhouette of a man sitting alone on a chair at the center of the infographic. Silhouettes of six men in a row are shown in which one man is darkly shaded with a cloud over his head and an x mark beside him. Text below the illustration reads negative self-stereotypes and shame (both barriers to seeking treatment) low self-esteem, the why try attitude associated with undervaluing oneself. A text box below reads as follows: what can you do. Seek peer support, educate yourself about mental health conditions, use empowerment strategies; focus on the positive, surround yourself with supportive people, believe in yourself, practice self-affirmation; attend to your own beliefs and values. (Greenstein, 2017, October 11; HarnEnz, 2016, November 14; Lannin et al., 2018; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016).