Choose Empowerment Over Shame
“ I fight stigma by choosing to live an empowered life . To me , that means owning my life and my story and refusing to allow others to dictate how I view myself or how I feel about myself .” – Mental health services consumer
Be Honest About Treatment
“ I fight stigma by saying that I see a therapist and a psychiatrist . Why can people say they have an appointment with their primary care doctor without fear of being judged , but this lack of fear does not apply when it comes to mental health professionals ?” – Mental health services consumer
Let The Media Know When They ’ re Being Stigmatizing
“ If I watch a program on TV that has any negative comments , story lines or characters with a mental illness , I write to the broadcasting company and to the program itself . If Facebook has any stories where people make ignorant comments about mental health , then I write back and fill them in on my son ’ s journey with schizoaffective disorder .” – Mental health services consumer
Don ’ t Harbor Self-Stigma
“ I fight stigma by not having stigma for myself — not hiding from this world in shame , but being a productive member of society . I volunteer at church , have friends , and I ’ m a peer mentor and a mom . I take my treatment seriously . I ' m purpose driven and want to show others they can live a meaningful life even while battling [ mental illness ].” – Mental health services consumer
This is what our collective voice sounds like . It sounds like bravery , strength and persistence — the qualities we need to face mental illness and to fight stigma . No matter how you contribute to the mental health movement , you can make a difference simply by knowing that mental illness is not anyone ’ s fault , no matter what societal stigma says . You can make a difference by being and living Stigma Free .
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