It is important that we understand the scope of stigma's impact. The impact of stigma is felt by our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, peers and colleagues. Right now, at this very moment, either you or someone you know is suffering unnecessarily because of mental health stigma. That said, it is critical that mental illness be seen clearly for what it is - a public health issue no different from any other.
People may discriminate, but mental illness does not. Mental illness is prevalent across the lifespan and across the social, cultural, and religious continuum. Although individuals are affected regardless of their social and financial status unfortunately, social and financial status can be a factor in the course of their illness. For example, those with financial resources and elevated social positions are often better equipped to withstand the devastating effects of mental illness and the accompanying stigma. In some cases however, the effect of stigma is so profound, even the financially and socially secure can find themselves disconnected from the life in which they once flourished.
The anatomy of stigma is many-fold. Poverty is just one mitigating factor. Fields of employment, healthcare and insurance, education, media and entertainment, law enforcement, military and veterans affairs, culture and religion, housing, and legislation fall under the cloud of mental health stigma. Each field presents its own very distinct form of discrimination, thus presenting a daunting range of challenges for those living with mental illness. Raising awareness and cultivating decision makers and others within the framework that comprises our communities is imperative. In addition, training and retraining, along with ongoing education and reeducation efforts, must take place if we are ever to eradicate stigma.
