What Is Stigma?
Stigma is defined as a symbol of shame or disgrace toward something considered to be socially unacceptable. Stigma toward those with mental illnesses is often manifested through language, actions, and negative portrayals in the media. The effects of stigma on those with mental illnesses can be extremely devestating , and may result in depression, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and suicide.
Stigmatizing Language
When dealing with people who have mental illnesses, it is important to remember that they are regular human beings who just happen to have neurological or chemical imbalances of the brain. Using insensitive words and language in regards to a person with a mental illness-words like "crazy", "nuts", "psycho", "schizo" , "loony" and "wacko", among others--is highly innapropriate and reinforces negative stereotypes. Also problematic is the common use of the term "schizophrenic" to describe anything with conflicting or contradictory attributes. This reinforces the incorrect equation of schizophrenia with having multiple personalities. (For more accurate information on schizophrenia and its symptoms, click here.) Referring to somebody as "schizophrenic" is generally considered offensive as well, and it is generally preffered to think of them as a "person with schizophrenia". We must always remember that they are human beings first, no matter what condition they may be struggling with.
Stigmatizing Imagery
  
Is this what you envision when you think of metal illness? Unfortunately, for those who have not experienced the devestating effects of mental illness firsthand the images of a raving madman in a straitjacket or a cackling mad scientist may be the first things that spring to mind. Sadly, these images are not uncommon to those who have little to no experience with mental illness and its effects. Even in the 21st Century, negative stereotypes regarding the mentally ill are still being instituted. Below are a few examples of the way the media promote negative stereotypes of the mentally ill.
Negative Media Portrayals
This New York Daily News headline uses fear tactics to play upon the general public's misunderstanidng of mental illness. In reality, most people with mental illnesses are not "violent crazies", but are in fact more likely to be the victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators. Would the Daily News use such derogatory language in reference to any other groups of people?
The title of this album and its cover are a prime example of the public's misconceptions of schizophrenia. Singer JC Chasez presumably intends for the title to reflect his eclectic musical styles, yet the use of the term "schizophrenic" is inaccurate and the cover photo of him in a straitjacket is demeaning to those who have experienced the devestating effects of this condition. Even more shameful is the fact that this image is being advertised to a primarily teenaged audience, who are at an age when they are the most vulnerable to the onset of schizophrenia.
 The 2000 Farrelly Brothers comedy Me, Myself, and Irene
received a firestorm of controversy when the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) protested the film, which featured grossly inaccurate depictions of schizophrenia and disassociative disorder and the offensive humor used in the film's marketing and ad campaigns. Although the film recieved mixed reviews and was moderately successful, it wasn't nearly as big a hit as the Farrellys' previous films, suggesting that many members of the viewing public were left cold by their mean-spirited humor.
 The message on this T-shirt also attempts to mine humor from mental illness. For those who struggle with schizophrenia however, auditory hallucinations are no laughing matter. Would the makers of this shirt have also made fun of other serious illnesses such as AIDS and cancer?
Ways to Fight Stigma
Watch your language. As stated above, certain words can be extremely offensive and have negative connotations to those who suffer from a serious mental disorder. Using negative terms in regards to people with mental illnesses robs them of their individuality and reduces them to cultural stereotypes.One must be extremely sensitive and careful when addressing those with mental illnesses. Remember that they are people first and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Watch your behavior. The majority of those with mental illnesses are regular people who just happen to have biological and chemical dysfunctions of the brain. They have family and friends, jobs, homes, interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes as much as everybody else does. Do not treat them any differently than you would treat anybody without a mental illness.
Get educated. Stigma and negative stereotypes can be reduced by learning more about mental illnesses, their symptoms, and the various ways that they can be treated. Educate yourself about mental illness through the use of research, on-line resources, and contact with mental health professionals. Interact directly with those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and try to understand what that person is struggling with. It is quite possible that you may already know somebody with a mental disorder, such as a family member, friend, or co-worker, so try to understand and sympathize with what that person is going through.
Get involved. There are many things that you can do to take action in the fight against stigma. Speak up against negative media portrayals and stereotypes through the use of protests, letter-writing, public events, and advocacy. Do your best to educate others about the negative effects of stigma on those with mental illnesses. Join an advocacy organization and get involved in efforts to inform and educate the general public. You can begin today! For more information on how to fight stigma, click here.
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