Stigma

We can face stigma about anywhere:

• Ourselves
• Our family, friends, and neighbors
• Our community, organizations, and church
• Our employers and co-workers
• Even our peers in our support groups
• Our health care professionals
• Any business we patronize
• Anywhere we are known
• Giving blood
• Making charitable contributions

How can we repel stigma?

• My illness may be a problem for you, but its not a problem for me
• Elimination stigma takes education and time because:
  • Stigma is continually sent or broadcast
  • We receive and accept stigma individually (it can be blatant or subtle)
  • Stigma comes to us as negative thoughts - we can gain the skill of not accepting the negative stigma thoughts that make us feel bad or inferior. Changing negative thoughts to positive thoughts is a wellness tool within our grasp
  .
• Our best approach to repelling stigma is to:
  • Realize we are full and valuable human beings
  • Feel good about ourselves
  • Embrace the hope that is ours
  • Not let stigma be a factor in our lives
  • Learn to set boundaries

We have an illness, not a weakness.

Information above taken from Wellness Recovery Action Planning workbook distributed by the Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council

Personal Recommendations for fighting stigma:

• NAMI Stigmabusters-- get their alerts or report stigma
• Advocate for yourself. Be aware that most agencies have an advocacy representative and that it is your right to report grievances!

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