Look for More Than What You See

Look for More Than What You See!

In reading the article this week I realized just how much discrimination people face every day; but the impact it can have on an individual suffering from mental illness can be devastating. As a child growing up in a home with someone suffering from a mental illness, I was taught that they are different but they still need to be treated the same but be careful because you never know what will happen.  And every time I seen an individual with similar characteristics as my family member I will keep as much distance as possible.  But now that I am older and beginning to understand an individual is more than just their illness it makes me thankful for policies and resources that are available to individuals suffering from mental illness. Link and Phelan describe 3 different discriminations which are direct, structural, and internalized.  Direct discrimination is defined by individuals who hold stereotypical beliefs about the mentally ill.  You see direct discrimination from individuals in the work place. Mental Health Matters states, “Stigma keeps people from getting good jobs and advancing in the workplace. Some employers are reluctant to hire people who have mental illnesses. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such discrimination is illegal. But it still happens! Stigma keeps people from getting good jobs and advancing in the workplace. Some employers are reluctant to hire people who have mental illnesses. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such discrimination is illegal. But it still happens!”  Although there are laws against this treatment the fear and lack of knowledge prevents jobs from giving equal opportunity.  Structural discrimination is seen a lot in jail systems.  They take individuals with mental illness and expose them to circumstances that can be very stressful and cause breakout episodes.  Even children suffering from mental illness, the environment they are placed in has a great impact on how they cope with their illness.  Mental Health matters list the do’s and dont’s regarding stigma on mental illness.

DO'S

·    Do use respectful language

·    Do emphasize abilities, not limitations.

·    Do tell someone if they express a stigmatizing attitude.

 

DONT'S

·    Don't portray successful persons with disabilities as super human.

·    Don't use generic labels such as retarded, or the mentally ill.

·    Don't use terms like crazy, lunatic, manic depressive, or slow functioning.

For other resources and stigma busters you can go to www.mentalhealthmatters.com.  This site gives information about many mental illnesses and to inform society.

INDIVIDUALS ARE MORE THAN JUST THEIR ILLNESS!