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Stigma is a negative, often unfair, set of beliefs about a group of people. It leads people to assume things about others, instead of taking time to get to know them. It creates fear, shame and can lead to discrimination.
People living with mental illness and/or addiction experience stigma. It can prevent them from getting the help they need. It can also rob them of hope and their ability and desire to be a part of their community.
Stigma is found throughout the community. It shows up in homes, workplaces, schools, the news, churches, health care settings and even in the mental health system itself.
Because stigma is present in these settings, some people feel the risk of discrimination and social isolation is too high. This can outweigh their desire to seek help. It can also cause a person to retreat from social situations, like work or school.
There are many things you can do to help yourself and others:
Shasta County resident, Keith Jackson, is a proud father, husband and student. Once a repeat offender, Keith shares how he overcame addiction and homelessness and how the stigma surrounding both got in the way of him seeking help.
A Whitmore resident and Winnemem Wintu tribal member, David shares how he found peace after struggling with PTSD, racism and addiction.
Brave Faces Advocate, Denise Green, believes in living life to its fullest. In addition to being a mother, wife, homesteader, and social worker, she manages a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
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