About Mental Health – What Is Stigma Anyway?
I have been living with mental illness for half of my life and I am very thankful for all that I have learned and the great people that I have met; I have developed relationships and friendships with so many people over the years. I have also spent half my life advocating and trying to make the world a better place for people with mental illness and yes, I have heard a lot about stigma and how people are affected by it. I have participated in events that were intended to break the stigma that darkens mental illness.
I happened to come across an interview with Jane Pauley recently who has been living with bipolar disorder for about 11 years. Jane was a broadcaster with NBC and was one of the hosts for the Today Show. In the interview, Jane talked about the word ‘stigma’ and said she thinks the word should be cut from our vocabulary. She said the word ‘stigma’ is hurtful and not at all helpful. She would rather talk about hope and advocating, because ‘stigma’ produces fear among people.
I’m sure I have been a victim of stigma at some time during my journey with mental illness, but to be honest, no one single time or incident really stands out. Of course, no one knows what goes on behind their back or what other people are saying in private conversations (and no, that is not a paranoid statement). It’s a fact—people talk. Perhaps they were talking about me.
I am trying to understand the view that Jane is trying to convey and to find a true definition of stigma. Do we need anti-stigma campaigns and, if yes, what should they consist of? What should the message be? What should their goals be? And at whom should they be directed?
I must admit I do not have the answers for those questions, but I’m interested to know what you think. I would love for you to send me an email and tell me your thoughts on stigma: Does it really exist? Should we get rid of the word ‘stigma’ as Jane suggests? Or is stigma the root of all evil when it comes to mental illness?
To share your thoughts:
- Email me at bmacphee@magpiemags.com
- Discuss Stigma in our community forum
- Or comment on this post below
[...] Over at Mental Wellness Today’s Mental Health Blog, Bill Macphee has an interesting post up on Stigma entitled About Mental Health – What Is Stigma Anyway? [...]
Pingback by Some interesting questions by Bill Macphee | Perspectives on Living with a Mental Illness on June 26, 2012 at 10:11 pm[...] response to Bill Macphee’s post that I started discussing in the previous post, I thought I would continue with some thoughts on [...]
Pingback by What is stigma? | Perspectives on Living with a Mental Illness on June 27, 2012 at 12:49 pmI do not think Jane is talking about stigma, she means prejudice. For some reason we still sugar-coat what we know it to be. Political correctness? Check out my thoughts on my own blog http://www.holly-about.blogspot.com.
Comment by holly on June 28, 2012 at 1:22 pm[...] continuing my reflection on Bill Macphee’s questions from his post About Mental Health – What Is Stigma Anyway? I would love for you to send me an email and tell me your thoughts on stigma: Does it really exist? [...]
Pingback by Some final thoughts on Bill Macphee’s questions | Perspectives on Living with a Mental Illness on June 29, 2012 at 8:12 amGreat post. Thanks for the read.
Comment by Will Savage on July 5, 2012 at 2:15 pmThe word “stigma” serves a purpose. It is not the evil itself….it is the marker to alert others to the presence of the evil. I believe that stigma comes from ignorant, false information. I believe that if the facts were known then the stigma would disappear. Maybe I think too highly of mankind….but that is how it seems to me.
Comment by Cynthia Lott Vogel on November 7, 2012 at 5:38 pm