Stigma manifests when people distinguish andlabel individuals who belong to a certain group, and then link dominant cultural beliefs about the individuals in that group to negative stereotypes. In short, stigma is the result of negative stereotypes about certain groups of people. People who are labeled negatively often experience discrimination that keeps them from leading their fullest lives. The stigma around mental health issues can be a barrier to people getting the care they need; it can cause individuals struggling with a mental health issue to not seek help, and it can cause them to separate themselves from others. Stigma can lead to loss of self-esteem and make it difficult for individuals struggling with a mental health issue to make friends.
Methods for reducing stigma include education, or "myth-busting", having open conversations about mental health, public awareness campaigns that shift the dominant negative narratives about mental illness, and making stigma visible; if we can see it, we combat it.
The Illuminating Mental Health model seeks to activate conversations about mental health and provides an entrypoint to conversations about mental health through participatory artmaking in an effort to: 1. Normalize conversations about mental health 2. Provide a collaborative, creative vehicle for identifying, expressing, and sharing feelings 3. Create a visually compelling, physical representation of mental health 4. Educate about mental health
The information provided on the Illuminating Mental Health website and in the Illuminating Mental Health activity guides is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical, health care, or behavioral health care advice. Nothing contained on this website is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider.