Silence = Stigma

What is Stigma?

Isolation. Discrimination. Shame. Embarrassment. Often the biggest challenges people with mental illnesses face aren’t their illnesses at all. The stigma—or negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes—that surround mental health can make getting help scary and leading a fulfilling life difficult. Stigma prevents people from seeking help. It restricts resources from being allocated. And it discourages others from lending their support.

One of the best ways to stop the stigma is to learn more about mental illness. Separating the truth from the stigma can help increase awareness, understanding and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges. Get the facts and spread the word.

Nobody I know has a mental illness

Nobody I know has a mental illness

1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness

National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI

People with mental health problems are bad employees

People with mental health problems are bad employees

Employers report attendance, punctuality and motivation on par with or greater than other employees

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Once you have a mental illness, you can never get better

Once you have a mental illness, you can never get better

70%-90% of people have shown significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with the right treatment

National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI

You're too young to have mental health problems

You're too young to have mental health problems

20% of youth, ages 13-18, live with a mental health condition

National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI

Mentally ill people are violent

Mentally ill people are violent

Only 3%-5% of violent acts are attributed to people with serious mental illness

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

If you're mentally ill, you belong in a mental hospital

If you're mentally ill, you belong in a mental hospital

2/3 of people with a mental illness live in their community and lead productive lives

National Alliance on Mental Illness/New Hampshire