#EndTheStigma
Inspired by UCLA’s All of Us: A Campaign to Rethink Mental Health and their #EndTheStigma photo series, the students of UMaine want to add their support and help end the stigma around mental illness and seeking help in our community.
Check out a photo essay of UMaine students by UMaine students who are committed to ending the stigma by changing the language they use to talk about themselves and others. Share it on Facebook and Twitter to show your support!
What is stigma? According to the 2003 President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, stigma refers to a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illness. Stigma is widespread in the United States and other western nations. Stigma leads others to avoid living, socializing, or working with, renting to, or employing people with mental disorders.
Want to get more involved with ending stigma surrounding mental illness? Check out UMaine Active Minds, a student group that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. Their goal? To change the conversation about mental health and mental illness.
Want to know more about how to help in the moment when someone is being harassed, bullied or picked on? Contact the Student Wellness Resource Center to learn more about their Peer Intervention trainings and Learn more about Mental Health.