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Mental Health Humor: Mental Health Awareness 2008, Stop STIGMA -

Stop Stigma, Stop Discrimination, Stop Hate, Stop! This is just the dream of an idealist in an overwhelming self-perpetuation of an idea that in of its self has no real definition? What really is stigma? And is it stigmatic to talk about the stigma of stigma? Well, if you’re not too dizzy now, let me say that it was about stigma, what the HECK IS IT!!!

You know it was not till I was diagnosed with a mental illness that I really became aware of “stigma”. In fact, I think it was in my very first therapy group that I even heard the term used in a way that made sense to me. One dictionary defines Stigma as “a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one’s reputation and or a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease.” Still the definition does not do it much good until you actually experience it… So, how might one go about the joyful experience of stigma? Well, wait a minute, you might have already experienced it but just didn’t realize it!

How, you might say to yourself? That’s just crazy. I was reading this post the whole time and I can’t be that nuts. I mean, come on, I know I’m a wack job but I really have to be looney to miss that point! ….Hmmm, do you see it? Crazy, nuts, wack job, and looney …in of itself can seem harmless, right? But if you are like me and some times use such terminology, then we are in effect being stigmatic.

That one is easy to see right? But how we see ourselves and or label ourselves can be stigmatic. Let me ask you, “What is your diagnosis?”…Tell me, how would you reply?

You say, I’m Bipolar? Or I have depression? Well, up until recently that is what I would say. But really, am I bipolar? My license does not list my name as Bipolar. Nope, Bipolar Disorder is just something I deal or live with, it is part of me, but it is not how I am. Now, when I’m asked what my diagnosis is I say, “I live with or deal with Bipolar Disorder.”

See the point? If I’m saying, “I’m Bipolar” or “I have depression” it’s like putting a “mark of disgrace or a stain or reproach” on ourselves. Therefore, we are perpetuating the very stigma and discrimination we want to stop!

In order for us to stop stigma, we first must understand it. Then adjust ourself and maybe our own thinking so we can avoid contributing to the very discrimination that needs to be stopped. Then, we will be fully equipped to help others understand what stigma is and why it hurts.

Permission granted for non-profit use by artist: Chato B. Stewart.

^^^ When using this cartoon on your non-profit blog you must link us.^^^

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My Buddy Alicia Sparks,from Mental Health Notes had a nice past about stigma titled “Stop Yourself And Others From Promoting Mental Health Stigma ” back is September worth checking out too.

Thanks for dropping by:

Chato B. Stewart
Mental Health Advocate - Cartoonist - and a few other things!
http://www.mentalhealthhumor.com

“Using Humor to Heal and Educate with badly drawn cartoons.”

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