Mental Health Stigma and Self Stigma
The video in this post was produced by Disability Rights Washington before COVID-19, but it’s message still applies! At the time, 1 in 5 people were living with a mental health disability. Fast forward to 2020—half of adults said that worry or stress related to the Pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health and 1 in 4 said it had a major impact. (KKF Health Tracking Poll, Kaiser Family Foundation, December 2020) Most mental illnesses are treatable but many people do not seek help. Less than half (45%) of adults with mental illness get treated in a given year. (2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA, September, 2020)
Awareness can make a difference. Now more than ever, it’s important to be aware of the negative attitudes and stereotypes that create stigmas and contribute to self stigma. Even large employers are doing their part to reduce stigma—1 in 4 plan to expand access to mental health services in 2021. (2021 Large Employers’ Health Care Strategy and Plan Design Survey, Business Group on Health, August 2020).
If you or an adult you know has a mental health disability, TACID offers FREE, Peer Support Groups. If you or an adult you know is feeling depressed or anxious, please check out our Schedule Page for Staff Contact Info and our Calendar.