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Article: The stigma of mental illness.(Practice & Theory)(Report)
- Article from:
- Journal of Counseling and Development
- Article date:
- March 22, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 American Counseling Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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"People suffering from mental illness and other mental health problems are among the most stigmatized, discriminated against, marginalized, disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our society" (Johnstone, 2001, p. 201). Negative connotations and false assumptions connected with mental illness may be as harmful as the disease itself. Schizophrenia may evoke visions of violence and inability to care for oneself. Depression may conjure thoughts of laziness and substance abuse. Societal stigma significantly limits opportunities that are available for people with serious mental illnesses (Johnstone, 2001). In 1999, the Surgeon General's report pointed to stigma as a key ...