I have been diagnosed with mental illnesses. Why do I feel I have been unfairly stigmatised by this?

There is a social stigma surrounding mental illnesses, unfortunately, so it makes sense that you are starting to feel that. It affects everyone's lives, even those who have not been diagnosed and are 'healthy' are affected by this subtle stigma, and it affects each person in slightly different ways. Some people feel that had they been a different gender or race, the conclusion of mental illness by a professional wouldn't have been reached so soon, and sadly there may be something to that. Some people feel that their friends and family and colleagues treat them differently after discovering they have a mental illness, and sadly there may also be some truth there. Our experiences with stigma does not mean that every person will have biases however, and it is very possible for us to find at least one person who we can be honest with who does not treat us differently. Mental illness is an amazing friend filter, for better or worse; we do not need people who treat us poorly or differently for any reason. We deserve love and support. Consider the different examples of social stigma you have experienced, how they made you feel, how stigma has impacted your life. Consider how you can express these things to the people close to you, how you would prefer people treat you, and what if anything you can do to comfort yourself during this difficult time. If you search on our forums, you will find some forum discussions about social stigma that may help you find some common ground with other people. Again, it is heartbreaking when people feel stigmatized by something, and I hope you are able to build a supportive network of people that will not treat you that way. Good luck!

I personally do not like the diagnostic side of psychology as I feel that some people hide behind these labels and actually become their diagnoses. You are not your illness and it can be overcome. Mental illness is more common than you think so don't feel ashamed or embarrassed or stigmatised. You are a unique individual with the ability to learn ways to cope with whatever issues you may have, oftentimes it is merely a case of working with a therapist to develop appropriate strategies to help you. This does not mean that there is something wrong with you, if you have the willingness to do the work, you can overcome and conquer anything you put your mind to.

The thing about mental illness is that it has a negative connotation because of how the media depicts it. They tend to vilify or stigmatize those who are mentally ill, and it leads people to believe that those of us who have a mental illness are crazy, or unstable. We aren't, and it's unfair that we're seen that way, but we still have to work to normalize mental illness. Please know that you aren't alone, and that your question is entirely valid! We're here for you, lovely

It is not in the societal norm to have mental illness and be seen as 'normal'. People always cast out what they don't understand and mental illness does not have enough exposure on the issue that most people still refrain from being associated with it. You feel as though people would leave you out of things if they knew you have mental illnesses, all humans crave acceptance but you aren't alone! There is always someone out there going through the same or similar issues as you and everyone here at 7 cups is always here for you :)

There is nothing wrong with you if you have been diagnosed with mental illness. You are still a pure soul and brave, strong, resilient and extraordinary person. You are no less or above anyone, you are just you and you are going to make an amazing life even with this illness you have, do not make it tear you apart, but build you into something amazing.

People really don't understand what mental illness really is. People also don't realize how common it is for mental illness. So just because you have a mental illness does not make you any different than anybody else. In reality you really like everybody else because somebody always has a mental disorder.

Stigma against mental illness or mental health conditions is widespread in many places. When we internalize this it can make it harder to accept our own illness. Try analyzing the unhealthy thought patterns you have around your diagnosis and replace them with more healthy thoughts. Afterall, by seeking help for a mental health problem you are taking charge of your life and health. What negative assumptions do you have about people diagnosed with mental illness? Are these fair? Try reaching out to education and support organizations such as NAMI to learn more about stigma and combat it in your own life.

It is okay to feel that way. Society has a way of doing that. But you should be confident and know that the label that society has put on you is only that.. a label. What you make of yourself does not depend on this label. You are NOT societys labels. You are your own person. Define yourself. Dont let society do it. Make yourself in the image of your perfect self. Dont let society stigmatise you with its labels. Other humanbeings, no matter how qualified, have no right to label you. All they can do is suggest something, You have to decide whether you want to live by that label or discard it and make your life your own

Stigma is an unfortunate thing that happens in the society, workplace, schools, universities etc. As important as it is to understand that mental illness does not define a person or that they need to be viewed differently; not everyone understands mental illnesses adequately enough not to stigmatise. After all, humans are biologically wired to look out for danger or anything unusual. However, there's innocent stigma, as well as wicked stigma. The wicked one is what we have to be weary of. It is not right and if you feel you have been unfairly stigmatised, you have every right to question it and stand up for yourself. You are the same valuable you, no matter what.