Watch video via Link: https://youtu.be/ZdUz0tlKZ78?si=DarTiMJZ_7Een4rp

Watch the video and then answer the following questions:

• How does the stigma of mental health contribute to society's misinformation?
• How can stigma affect people's willingness to seek treatment?
• What can you do to help reduce stigma in your community?

Background info-

The stigma associated with mental health contributes to people not seeking treatment for their disorder. It is this stigma that keeps people uninformed and ill-advised on how to deal with mental health issues in our community. In addition, stigma can quickly turn into stereotypes, prejudice, and, ultimately, discrimination if not addressed in our communities. For example, take this thought process:

• Stereotype - "All people with mental illness are dangerous."
• Prejudice - "I agree, people with mental illness are dangerous and I am afraid of them."
• Discrimination -"I don't want to be near them; don't hire them for our job."

Fighting the stigma, and potential discrimination,means getting informed! Most people have a picture in their minds of what mental health patients look like, but that is not always accurate. I remember sharing with my boss once that I experienced severe panic attacks. His response was, "Oh, I would have never guessed that someone like you had panic attacks." Someone like me. This phrase has been stuck in my head ever since. If you look at me, you may not guess that I spent years of my life suffering from depression and severe panic attacks. You may never guess that I spent years of my life suicidal. But, in fact, "someone like me" experiences mental illness. And I am one of millions who do.

The more we talk about mental illness, the better educated we become. As the video states, "The conversation simply needs to start."