Stigma

Throughout history, those with mental illnesses have often been thought of as "deviant". Because of who they are and what they believe, these individuals are misunderstood and oftentimes ostrasized in our community. Although we have made tremendous strides in the last decade or so, stigma still exists on a personal and societal level. This makes it even more difficult for those with mental illness to live their lives and interact with other people Stigma erodes confidence that mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions. We have allowed stigma, causing a sense of hopelessness among those afflicted with mental disabilities, inhibiting effective treatment and recovery.

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One of the main goals of NAMI is to combat stigma; to increase awareness to those who know little of menal illness. The best weapon against stigma is knowledge. Understanding what people with mental illness are going through and how we can help them will improve their quality of life, make them feel more accepted and speed them on the road to recovery. NAMI challenges societal stereotypes of the mentally ill and provides support to those with mental illness and their families; challenging prejudice, ignorance and discrimination.

Even here in UVM, discrimination and ignorance against those with mental illness is present. In a study conducted for a project in a medical ethics class, a student found that some students at UVM discriminate against those with mental illness, both actively and passively. NAMI UVM is dedicated to stamping this type of behavior out by providing information about mental illness, showing that people with mental illness are among us and are students just like us.

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Last Edited 12/1/06
namiuvm@uvm.edu