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Stigma Attached to Mental Illness
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One out of five Americans will experience a mental disorder during their
lifetime.
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With proper treatment, most people with a mental illness recover
quickly, and the majority do not need hospital care, or have only brief
admissions.
Stigma is detrimental to the well-being of people with mental illness:
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It affects their ability to obtain services.
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The type of treatment and support may be limited by health insurance
guidelines, which can be more restrictive for mental health conditions than
physical conditions.
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Impedes their acceptance in the community.
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Rejection of people with mental illness inevitably spills over to the
caregiver and family members.
Stereotypes
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Exist regarding various groups of people.
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Your participation in the Compeer Program will provide you with the
opportunity to challenge stereotypes associated with the issues of mental
illness.
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Individuals with mental illness are aware of the stereotypes and
prejudice concerning mental illness. Sadly, some individuals of mental
illness my believe the stereotypes. As a mentor, don't buy into the
negativity and prejudice of stereotypes even if your Compeer does.
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By sharing with others your own experiences with someone diagnosed with
a mental illness, while maintaining the client's confidentiality, you will
begin to dispel stereotypes and reduce the fears people have regarding
mental illness.
Compeer, Inc. Volunteer Training Manual for Youth Programs
Reprinted with
permission from Compeer, Inc., Rochester, New York
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