- Emmanuel Yugu
- May 27
- 2 min read
Types of Stigma.
| Public | Self | Structural |
Stereotypes and Prejudices | People with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, to blame for their disorder, unpredictable. | I am dangerous, incompetent, to blame. | Stereotypes are embodied in law and other institutions. |
Discrimination | A neighbor assumes someone receiving in-home behavioral support is dangerous.
| A client avoids community events because they feel “broken” for needing daily care.
| A housing application is denied because the person lists support services on file. |
Source: Adapted from Corrigan, et al., 2014.
"Judgement of others comes from a lack of understanding"
Changing the way you view people with mental health conditions not only supports their well-being—it also benefits your own.
Think back to a time when you weren’t allowed to play a sport, join a class, attend an activity, or be part of a social event—perhaps because of something beyond your control, like a physical or mental health condition, or even your race.
Chances are, it didn’t feel good. That’s completely normal—feelings of exclusion and frustration are human responses to being unfairly treated. Recognizing that experience can help build empathy for others facing similar challenges every day.
Ways to Cope with Stigma.
Make sure you get treatment- Getting treatment can help you identify what is causing the symptoms creating difficulty in your life.
Don't think of yourself as a condition- You are not your condition, for instance say "I have bipolar disorder" rather than "I'm bipolar."
Join a support group- Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Department of Veterans Affairs offer support groups and resources tailored to their communities. These groups provide emotional support, helpful tools, and a sense of connection—whether in-person or online—that can empower individuals and their families in everyday life.
Speak out against stigma- Share your opinions at events and online. This can help others and teach the public about mental health conditions.
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