I share my story about mental illness with Dr Farihah of HDOK , Sandakan.
I think first of all, I would like to clarify what STIGMA and DISCRIMINATION means because sometimes the two are confused with each other.
STIGMA - someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness
DISCRIMINATION - someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness
So STIGMA happens when a person defines someone by their illness rather than WHO they are as an individual. For example, they might be labelled “psychotic” rather than “a person experiencing psychosis”.
Second is to understand what is a mental illness
There are many different conditions that are recognised as mental illnesses. The more common types are:
Anxiety disorders
Mood disorders (eg Bipolar)
Psychotic disorders - hallucinations, delusions , schizophrenia
Eating disorders - Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge eating
Impulse Control & Addiction disorders (kleptomaniac, pyromania, compulsive gambling)
Personality disorders
OCS
PTSD
Seven Things You Can Do to Reduce Stigma
* Know the facts. Educate yourself about mental illness including substance use disorders.
* Be aware of your attitudes and behaviour. Examine your own judgmental thinking, reinforced by upbringing and society.
* Choose your words carefully. The way we speak can affect the attitudes of others.
* Educate others. Pass on facts and positive attitudes; challenge myths and stereotypes.
* Focus on the positive. Mental illness, including addictions, are only part of anyone's larger picture.
* Support people. Treat everyone with dignity and respect; offer support and encouragement.
* Include everyone. It's against the law to deny jobs or services to anyone with these health issues.
