www.StigmaHurts.com

• Society doesn't understand mental illness.
• people fear what they don't understand
• the lack of understanding causes stigma
• stigma produces shame, blame, stress, embarrassment, and loneliness
• Stigma cripples more than physical injury.
• Stigma fosters low self-esteem.
• Stigma prevents consumers from reaching their fullest potential.
• Stigma prevents consumers from getting diagnosed and treated.
• Stigma prevents consumers from getting medication.

Stigma can be reduced or eliminated by education, understanding and respect

• mental illness is a disorder of the brain much like diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas
• mental illness can affect people of any age, race, religion or income
• mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing
• mental illnesses are treatable by medication; supportive counseling, self help groups, housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other community services also provide support and stability, enabling the consumer to focus on recovery
• many famous people have suffered severe mental illness while they have made great contributions to society: President Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Vincent Van Gogh are a few examples.