by George Carvalho

As a Patients' Rights Advocate I talk to people whose lives are profoundly and adversely affected by the stigma of mental illness daily. This stigma is the shame that individuals in society place upon others suffering with mental health issues to distance themselves clearly and definitively from them. This is often accomplished with the use of derogatory labels like "crazy person," "nut case," "looney" and "wacko."

For a vast majority of the "normal" population this stigmatization is driven by stereotypical images as well as a deep fear of "losing" one's own mind. Stigmatization may produce the illusion of creating and maintaining the distance society at large believes it needs to feel safe.. In reality, it is alienating both to those who have been psychiatrically diagnosed as well as those who have not. Mental illness and mental wellness exist on a continuum, throughout society and within each individual. There is no clear point of demarcation. 

It is damaging for those who declare themselves to be "normal" to constantly strive to be so.

For those stigmatized painful isolation results. People are not seen as individuals but as a group defined by generalities. For those who have not been psychiatrically diagnosed but could benefit from treatment, the fear of isolation increases the likelihood that mental health services will not be sought. For those who have been psychiatrically diagnosed the effects are particularly severe. The terror of psychosis is made worse by the resulting isolation and sudden lack of gentle or non-coercive human contact.

The worst effect of stigmatization is that some who label themselves "normal" act out of fear against those who have been diagnosed. In the past it has taken the form of forced sterilization of the "mentally infirm." Today fear is evident in overly restrictive legislation and organized demonstrations against the right of the "mentally ill" to live in one's neighborhood.

I maintain that in this day and age it is easier to come out of the closet about one's sexual orientation than it is to say the one is bi-polar. If you could benefit from treatment but are fearful of the shame of diagnosis, find the courage to take those first steps to reach out. Dealing with stigmatization is painful, but you will benefit by the experience and knowledge that you are not alone. We can bring healing to ourselves and to society as a whole by overcoming fear and reaching out to those suffering with mental illness.

If you are fearful of others diagnosed with mental illness, become educated about the facts of mental illness and mental health. You can do this by participating in organizations that support people with mental illness such as Mental Health Client Action Network or the Local Affiliate of NAMI.