Ending the Stigma Associated with Mental Illness - #Mystory

The theme for #MentalHealthWeek this year – #Mystory – highlights the importance of sharing our stories to help ourselves heal and show others they are not alone. But what it also does is build awareness and education reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

A big part of what I do, as both a professional and individual, is a lot of awareness and education around mental illness, in particular, severe mental illness such as schizophrenia. I’ve been fortunate enough to share #Mystory in such publications as The National Post, Best Health Magazine, CBC Radio’s The Current, Healthing.ca, etc. all to raise awareness that you can, and people do recover from severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia.

The first thing that comes to my mind when talking about ending the stigma associated with mental illness is awareness, education, and action from individuals, communities, and institutions. Stigma surrounding mental illness often leads to discrimination, fear, and exclusion, which can prevent individuals from seeking the care and support they need.

Here are a few steps that you can take to help end the stigma of mental illness:

1. Increase awareness and education

2. Speak out against stigma

3. Encourage help-seeking behavior

4. Advocate for policy change

5. Support those affected by mental illness

I also firmly believe that by promoting education around mental illness, we can reduce the stigma and discrimination that often prevent individuals from seeking help and support. This can lead to better outcomes for those struggling with mental health issues and create a more inclusive and understanding society for all. So, I encourage you all to share your story, and reduce the stigma so often associated with mental illness