Stand Up To Stigma

What is a Stigma? and why is it attached to certain things -- in particular, this phrase "Stand Up to Stigma" was created to raise awareness about mental health and the stigma that is attached to it.

It's amazing, but, when you look up the definition of stigma, here is what you find:

stig·ma
ˈstigmə/
noun

a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
"the stigma of mental disorder"

Wow --- that is certainly a testament to the need to 'stand up' against the stigma -- it is amazing to me that the misperceptions still persist --- should we feel disgrace because our body has a particular illness -- whether it be diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, etc.? Put in any condition -- none of these should bring about the feeling of disgrace. Instead, all should be thought of as a condition to be recognized and treated.

The much misunderstood term 'mental disorders' are also conditions to be recognized and treated -- they just happen to be conditions of the brain. Millions of Americans live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, drug addiction, and personality disorders. They no more define the person than any other condition. And, like other conditions, if treated, they can be resolved and/or managed.

The sooner we 'Stand Up to Stigma" the sooner we can begin to make a difference and treat the condition - whatever it may be.

For more on mental health: