More than 20 percent of the U.S. population – 44 million people – experience a mental disorder in any given year, but almost half of these individuals do not seek treatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2002; U.S. Surgeon General, 2001).
Stigma affects Tarrant County significantly. In 2004, Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County and Community Solutions of Fort Worth conducted a public attitudes survey on mental illness (for the full report, click here). Among the findings:

• More than 40 percent of those surveyed agree that anyone with a history of mental problems should be excluded from public office.

• Nearly one in three believe a child should be placed in an alternative setting as soon as he or she exhibits a mental illness in school.

• More than 50 percent believe major depression might be caused by the way someone was raised, while more than one in five believe it is “God’s will.”

• More than 50 percent believe major depression might result from people “expecting too much from life,” and more than 40 percent believe it is the result of a lack of will power.

• More than 60 percent said an effective treatment for major depression is to “pull yourself together.”

Adolescents also suffer from the effects of stigma. One in five teens develops some form of mental illness, and suicide has now become the third leading cause of teen deaths (American Psychological Association). People are afraid to talk about suicide to teens because of the stigma and a fear that discussing it may plant the idea. However, a recent study found that simply asking troubled students about any suicidal impulses appears to ease their distress and might make some of them less likely to attempt suicide. (Associated Press, April 6, 2005, “Study: Suicide Query Won't Plant the Idea,” http://www.intelihealth.com).
The success rate for treatment of mental illnesses ranges from 60 to 80 percent (Mental Health Association of Tarrant County). So why don’t people seek the treatment they need? Studies have shown the key barriers are stigma, a lack of money or insurance and a lack of knowledge.

Many people with a diagnosable mental illness are afraid they may be labeled or seen as “crazy.” Negative attitudes about mental illness can come from all areas – peers, schools, businesses and even health care workers. People are afraid of both the reactions caused by stigma and the resulting discrimination that can occur, including loss of employment, friends and respect.

Here are a few facts about the stigma of mental illness from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Many people would rather tell employers they committed a petty crime and served time in jail than admit to being in a psychiatric hospital.

• Stigma can result in inadequate insurance coverage for mental health services.

• Stigma leads to fear, mistrust and violence against people with mental illness and their families.

• Stigma can cause families and friends to turn their backs on people with mental illness.

• Stigma can prevent people from getting access to needed mental health services.

To overcome stigma:

• Avoid using generic labels such as “retarded” or “the mentally ill.”

• Avoid using terms like crazy, lunatic, manic-depressive or slow functioning.

• Emphasize abilities, not limitations, when talking about someone who has a mental illness. Everyone has strengths that are not related to a mental illness, and you can focus on those when discussing an individual.

• Tell people if they express a stigmatizing attitude and explain why it is important to understand mental illness as a disease.