ARE YOU AFFECTED BY STIGMA?
The thing is, everyone is actually affected by stigma. Whether you are experiencing it yourself, unconsciously perpetuating it, or acting complacent, we all have a role in working towards
a society that understands and supports all mental health challenges.
Take the following quiz to see if you can uncover any stigmatizing attitudes within yourself.
Correct Answer:
D. Need Support and Acceptance
There are several common misconceptions about what it means to live with a mental health condition. People living with these conditions are not any more dangerous than the general population. They are not faking symptoms for attention. And no, they cannot just "snap out of it."
Do not assume that other people function in the same way that you do. Everyone is different.
We must work towards building an understanding of mental illnesses and acceptance of people who live with them. People need support, not antiquated attitudes.
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Correct Answer:
C. Common
Millions of Americans from all walks of life experience mental health challenges.In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. They are treatable, and many people do recover. The stigma surrounding seeking treatment is one of the biggest barriers to recovery.
Upbringing in and of itself may not cause mental illness, but traumatic upbringing can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition or substance use disorder. It is important to see the distinction and avoid assuming that mental illness is the result of "a poor upbringing."
Instead, stick to what we know: mental illnesses are biologically-based disorders and can be caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, and biochemical imbalances.
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Correct Answer:
A. It's not a big problem for people with mental health conditions
The stigma surrounding mental health conditions IS a big problem. Many people with mental health conditions do not feel comfortable talking about what they’re going through. This prevents them from seeking treatment and negatively affects their well-being. People with mental illness often internalize stigma, damaging hopes for recovery.
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Correct Answer:
B. Listen to Them and Support Them
If someone you know is diagnosed with a mental illness, you should support them.
Some of the ways you can do this are by:
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Listening
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Educating yourself about their condition
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Showing interest in their treatment plan and encouraging them to follow it
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Use simple, caring language such as "I want to help" or "it isn't your fault"
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Correct Answer:
D. Over a year
The average person waits a year or more to tell a loved one about a mental health problem.
This is because stigma causes fear, shame, guilt, and many other emotions. Working
towards ending mental health stigma will allow people to seek help much earlier.