stigma
People with mental illness represent one of the most deeply stigmatized groups in our culture. Learn more about it here.
Black Men, #YouGoodMan?
The emotional stoicism of Black men is something that few doctors, authors, families or society have talked about. While there are not many published works regarding this topic, the most notable of the few is We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity (2004) by Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her writing name, bell hooks. The emotional crisis that is created by the lack of love and acceptance that Black men face is a mainstay in hooks' work.
By Markus Tyree7 years ago in Psyche
Why I Write
If you’ve ever read my blogs, you know I write a lot about mental health. I write about my journeys and experiences with both my physical and mental illnesses, and it’s something I’m very passionate about. About a week ago, I sat down to write. I wanted to share my story, my whole story, but I only got a few paragraphs in before I hit a “writer’s block,” and my mind went blank. I had no idea what I wanted to say, or where I wanted to start, but after a while, I came to the conclusion that I was having a hard time continuing to write, because I was scared. I had no idea how that piece was going to turn out, or if I was really ready to unfold the chaos in my life and write it out, and that scared me. So instead, I want to write about why I write what I write about (mainly mental illness). I want to talk about why I write.
By Abbey Smith7 years ago in Psyche
Recognizing Mental Illnesses in Adolescents
An essay I wrote in high school. I was given an assignment where I could write on any subject I wanted to bring awareness to. Since a young age, I've realized teens and children’s mental health is so important, and they always need to be listened to.
By Airika Lewis7 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health Is Just as Important as Physical Health, So Why Do We look At It So Differently?
I remember being at college and thinking, "If I had a broken arm, people wouldn't question why I sit out of lessons some days." I almost wished that I had some sort of visible illness/injury instead, just so people wouldn't judge or even query why I was doing the things that I was. I wasn't ashamed or embarrassed about having a mental illness, but I felt that people wouldn't understand if I said it was the reason why I behaved in certain ways. It's sad to think that we live in a generation where it's easier to make up a physical excuse than to say that we are having a bad day with our mental health.
By Issy Woods7 years ago in Psyche
How to End the Mental Health Stigma
For a few years now, I have been a strong supporter in trying to raise awareness against the mental health stigma. In my junior year of high school, I was put on medication for anxiety, but I had been dealing with anxiety and depression long before that, and even to this day. At first, I was embarrassed about being medicated because I thought that made me weak. In reality, that was not the case. It was a few months after when I first heard the song "Bird Set Free" by Sia. Sia, who has bipolar disorder, wrote this song to show others that you can fly high even if you suffer from something that others believe to limit your abilities. Since I have heard this song, I have been trying to fight the mental health stigma that exists in our society today.
By Ishani and Shelby7 years ago in Psyche
Mental Health Stigmas Exposed
What comes to mind when you think of a person with a mental illness? Do you steer clear of and distance yourself socially from people who suffer from mental illness? Do you think of someone who is dangerous or harmful to your well being? This is the result of mental health and illness stigmas.
By Alyssa Rolfs7 years ago in Psyche
The Stigma and the Unattainable Notion of Normal
I have a different family dynamic. My brother, whom I love with every ounce of my being but simultaneously get annoyed by, is on the spectrum. The “spectrum” is a tricky thing, because I can’t quite explain what end he’s on, or how far left or right he is. I just know that there’s something slightly off, as there always has been, which leaves me as the normal child. Me—normal—yikes.
By Shara Faith7 years ago in Psyche
A Non-Judgmental Perspective on Suicide
What is 'Stigma'? Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. In some ways, the stigma around mental disorders can be more dangerous than the disorder itself. The disorders can usually be managed and improved with the proper medical care but due to the stigma surrounding it, many feel too embarrassed to speak up and ask for the help that they need.
By Kristin Wilson7 years ago in Psyche
