Stigma results in fear, mistrust, and violence against people living with mental illness. Stigma prevents people from receiving needed mental health services. Stigma is a barrier and discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need due to fear of being discriminated against.

Do’s

• Do use respectful language such as “person who has schizophrenia” or “person with bipolar disorder”
• Do emphasize abilities rather than limitations
• Do tell someone if they are expressing a stigmatizing attitude

Don’ts

• Don’t portray successful persons with disabilities as super human or as the exception to the rule. Many people with mental illnesses lead successful, productive lives.
• Don’t use a generic label such as “retarded”
• Don’t use terms like crazy, lunatic, manic-depressive, or slow functioning.

For more information on Anti-Stigma and Mental Health, please visit the Wisconsin United for Mental Health website.