Stigma is when someone judges you based on a personal trait. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for people who have a mental health condition. Overcoming the stigma of mental illness is difficult and false beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Stigma may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be subtle, such as someone assuming you could be unstable, violent or dangerous because you have a mental health condition.
Class, what are some of the harmful effects of stigma of mental illness?