Stigma Definition and Types
This term refers to a negative and often unfair social attitude attached to a person or group, often placing shame on them for a perceived deficiency or difference.
What is stigma?
This term refers to the unfair treatment or discrimination that people with mental illness may face in areas such as employment, housing, or health care.
What is stigma-related prejudice?
This strategy involves getting professional help, learning about one’s condition, and separating myths from facts about mental illness.
What is educating oneself about psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders?
This term refers to the portrayal or representation of mental health and illness in various forms of media, such as films, television shows, books, news, or social media.
What is media depiction?
This term refers to the act of speaking up for oneself or others who have mental illness, to promote their rights, needs, and interests.
What is advocacy?
This type of stigma refers to societal disapproval or shame placed on people who have a mental illness or seek help for emotional distress.
What is mental health stigma?
This term refers to the desire to avoid contact or interaction with people who have mental illness, often based on fear or misunderstanding.
What is stigma-related social distance?
This strategy involves joining a group where one can meet other people with mental illness, share experiences, and offer support.
What is joining a support group?
This term refers to the exaggerated or sensationalized coverage of mental health issues or events in the media, often focusing on negative aspects or outcomes, such as violence, crime, or tragedy.
What is media sensationalism?
This term refers to the act of challenging or changing the laws, policies, or practices that discriminate against people with mental illness.
What is social or political advocacy?
This type of stigma refers to negative thoughts or feelings that people who experience psychiatric symptoms have about themselves.
What is self-stigma?
This term refers to the reduced opportunities or expectations that people with mental illness may have for themselves or others may have for them, often leading to lower self-esteem or hopelessness.
What is stigma-related self-fulfilling prophecy?
This strategy involves telling others about one’s own experience with psychiatric symptoms, either publicly or privately, depending on one’s comfort level and goals.
What is selectively disclosing (sharing) one’s experience with psychiatric symptoms?
This term refers to the use of inaccurate or misleading information or stereotypes about mental health and illness in the media, often resulting in stigma, prejudice, or discrimination.
What is media misinformation?
This term refers to the act of raising awareness and educating the public about mental health and illness, to reduce stigma and misinformation.
What is public or media advocacy?
This type of stigma refers to the negative attitudes or stereotypes that the general public may have about people with mental illness, often based on media portrayals or misinformation.
What is public stigma?
This term refers to the reluctance or avoidance of seeking help for mental health problems due to fear of being stigmatized or judged.
What is stigma-related help-seeking barrier?
This strategy involves correcting misinformation or challenging negative stereotypes about mental illness without revealing one’s own experience with psychiatric symptoms.
What is correcting misinformation without disclosing (sharing) one’s own experience with psychiatric symptoms?
This term refers to the use of respectful and appropriate language and images when discussing or depicting mental health and illness in the media, avoiding labels, blame, or stigma.
What is media literacy?
This term refers to the act of sharing one’s personal story of living with mental illness and recovery, to inspire hope and empowerment in others.
What is peer or personal advocacy?
This type of stigma refers to the negative reactions or discrimination that people with mental illness may face from professionals or institutions, such as health care providers, employers, or educators.
What is structural stigma?
This term refers to the increased stress or psychological distress that people with mental illness may experience as a result of stigma or discrimination.
What is stigma-related minority stress?
This strategy involves learning about one’s legal rights and seeking out assistance if one’s rights have been violated due to stigma or discrimination.
What is learning about one’s legal rights and seeking out assistance if one’s rights are violated?
This term refers to the positive or beneficial impact that the media can have on mental health awareness, education, advocacy, or support.
What is media empowerment?
This term refers to the act of supporting or joining an organization that works to improve the lives of people with mental illness, such as NAMI or MHA.
What is organizational or community advocacy?