How Can We Eliminate the Negative Stigma Associated With Mental Illness?

I would like ideas on how we can start to eliminate the negative stigma associated with mental illness and depression.  More and more of the population is being diagnosed with serious depression and mental illness yet people are often afraid or embarrassed to seek professional help because of the fear of being labeled.  How can we, as a population, eliminate the labeling and the negative stereotype surrounding mental illness and encourage people to seek the help they need?

I think people are becoming more aware & yes their scared to admit when they have a problem especially if it's a mental one.  I have seen more advertisements on TV, plus I've heard them on the radio.  People are working on getting everyone more aware of the problems that we face everyday.  It is just going to take time & patience for people to come to the realization that we all need help of some kind at one time or another.  They will also come to realize that no matter what happens we all have to live with & get along with eachother.  Everyone is unique in there own way whether they are dealing with an illness or not.  When we each use our unique & individual skills toward accepting one another as we are then we will be at peace with one another.  Until then we will keep persisting on with our struggles knowing that a brighter future is ahead of us.

personally i don't think that society as a whole will ever accept the mentally ill i know this bc my mother has been an advocate for me for over 10 years and still there are people in this world who are as dumb as a box of rocks... sorry to say that....even the police are the same way

     I think that there will always be people who resist accepting mental health issues because they cannot look at what they (may) be dealing with in their own lives.

     Yet, I think when we take steps to alleviate our own suffering and stabalize our lives, and the lives of our family members and can speak reasonably about our expereinces-or someone else can speak for us-we begin the dialogue that helps others realize that we share a common humanity, and our conditions are not contagious, not dangerous, and are worthy of consideration. It may take awhile to turn the tide, however...so we must persevere and remain constantly working and talking!

I have had Epilepsy for the past 11 1/2 years.  People don't accept that either.  On top of Epilepsy, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression 6 years ago after I went through 2 Right Temporal Lobectomies (brain surgeries).  When people find out that I have that too, they freak out.  I am really embarassed about taking my Celexa and Risperdal in public.  When I am at work and have to talk my meds, it looks like I am a druggie.  I take Carbatrol and Keppra for seizures, Celexa in the morning and Risperdal at night for anxiety and depression, B-6, Folic Acid, and Fish Oil.  I just want to know what people think of me when they see all my medicines.

Reuster1 - I am impressed that despite all the physical and mental challenges you are facing that you are still going to work.  I am proud of you for taking your meds and focusing on managing your health. I hope that as others watch you fight for your health that they will be inspired to face whatever challenges may come their way.

I know the world can be unkind and people can often behave badly when they see something they cannot relate to or understand, but I am proud of you for marching forward.  I believe that you are helping change and shape the minds of people around you....even if you can't see it.

Smalls, I'm late in response, but I'm with you and your response to Reuster1. I don't have the same physical severity of Reuster1, but I share the mental illness. I went through ECT (shock therapy) early in my disease and it helped. But I don't talk about it because everyone thinks of "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" ! I haven't worked since 1997. When I did, taking my meds had to be a secretive thing. I know of at least one group, NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill) that works towards changing the view of the mentally ill. When I was diagnosed I was told my depression and bipolar were medical/chemical illness that needed medicine to live just as diabetes. It took me years to accept it wasn't a moral defect. No wonder others can't see it that way! 

Knowledge is power. Also, I think it is very important for people to identify with public personas who "come out of the closet", and enable everyday people to emulate their personal bravery. The downside is the public who refuse to enable themselves with the power of knowledge.

Gypsy Jade,

I couldn't agree more - Knowledge is power!  And I think that as more people in the spotlight (celebs) share their personal struggles (mental illness, addictions, body image issues) more people will not only seek help, but the general public will learn to to support others who are struggling to maintain health.

Have a great new year everyone!!!

Smalls

my dear that will never happen society as a whole will never accept something that they dont understand and that is sad i am a bipolar and i have learned that some people just dont want to learn..... they would rather stay dumb to the idea that there is such a thing as mental illness..... right now our president doesnt even have the mentally ills best interest at heart...... more and more i am finding that our goverment as a whole is really dumb when it comes to matters of the mentally ill and i dont ever forsee it getting any better....thankfully there are people out there who do care enough to learn and are willing to teach others..... for that i say thank you...because my mother little sister and soon to be husband are among that small number