Changing Perceptions About Mental Illness
People with a mental illness can be among the most disadvantaged in society, and many confront barriers as a direct result of their illness. Cognitive and communication impairments may pose challenges, while stigma and discriminatory attitudes can be worse than the illness itself.
Discrimination and stigma can create barriers to recovery for people with mental illness including access to housing, employment and insurance and people often report that fear of stigma and discrimination is a key reason for not seeking help early.
Changing perceptions about mental illness can go a long way towards breaking down some of the barriers that stigma and discrimination creates.
