On January 10, 2011 the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law released a formal statement about the shooting in Arizona and expressed an appeal to move beyond mental health stigma in response to this tragic event.
View the statement.
The "Challenge Stigma" section of the website provides information about the stigma mental health consumers face in all aspects of daily life, including employment, housing, and even within health and mental health service systems. This page will provide guides to understanding mental health stigma and the harmful affects of stigma on individuals with mental illness, their families, caregivers and others.
In order to dispel negative stereotypes and promote the acceptance of persons with mental illness in our society, consumers and advocates must work together to increase community consciousness about the debilitating impact of mental health stigma. Information about local, statewide and national initiatives aimed at eliminating stigma are included on this page.
Finally, this page will provide resources for consumers and their supporters to raise awareness about mental health stigma in order to overcome it. The hope is that through understanding and action, all persons with mental illness will be able to regain their deserved dignity and to participate fully in society.
If you are aware of additional resources or references about mental health stigma, please contact us at info@mirecovery.org or (734) 785-7700.