Stigma and Mental Illness
Stigma surrounding major mental illness creates many barriers. People who experience mental illness face discrimination and prejudice when renting homes, applying for jobs, and accessing mental health services” (Overton & Medina, 2008).
In this article, the authors discuss stigma as it relates to mental illness. Stigma is defined using various theories that explain how individuals develop ideas about a group that they believe to be “an out group” (in this case– individuals with mental illness). The article discusses stigma and attitudes of mental health counselors who are new to the field and the importance of addressing stigma early in a professional’s career.
In this Opinion Paper:
Start by defining stigma and mental illness.
Discuss at least one theory that describes how stigma is formed.
Discuss how stigma effects individuals living with mental illness.
Finally, discuss how mitigating stigma impacts treatment for individuals with mental illness.