1.1 What is Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. These conditions may have a significant impact on day-to-day living and may also affect an individual’s ability to relate to others. Sadly, many people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness experience stigma. Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Currently, based on statistics, one in five adults in the USA are living with a mental health condition (illness).

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that “navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough and the isolation and blame that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to moving forward in one’s recovery journey.” In the USA, many individuals affected by mental health conditions are ashamed because of that stigma. This can make them feel as if they have lost control of their lives, limits them from seeking proper help, and can even result in suicide (NAMI)

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at Columbia University and past President of the American Psychiatric Association, envisions that breaking down the barrier which arises from our stigmatizing mental health would result in better treatment for millions of individuals. Please watch the Ted Talk Video Imagine There was No Stigma to Mental Illness.

Ted Talk video: Imagine There Was No Stigma to Mental Illness | Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman

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Together we can BREAK THE STIGMA