About Stigma 

What is Stigma?

Stigma is a mark of disgrace that results from the judgment of others or self. People living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders are impacted by stigma. When a person is labeled by their illness or condition, they experience judgment and prejudice. This can bring about feelings of shame, embarrassment, distress, hopelessness and reluctance to seek or accept help. As a result, people suffer in silence with untreated conditions. Ending stigma supports people in getting the help that they need in a timely manner.

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness and substance use disorders include a variety of conditions that affect our thinking, feeling, moods and behaviors. These conditions can range from depression, anxiety or alcohol and drug misuse to bipolar disorder and addiction. When a person is living with both types of disorders, this is sometimes referred to as “co-occurring.” These conditions may be occasional or persistent and affect people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion and income level.

Nearly 1 in 4 American adults has a mental illness or a substance use disorder.

In 2019, 61.2M Americans had a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder (SUD) – an increase of 5.9% over 2018 composed entirely of increases in mental illness.

Mental-IllnessSubstance-Abuse-Graphic
Mental-IllnessSubstance-Abuse-Graphic

Learn About Efforts to Reduce Stigma in Orange County

Promise To Talk Logo

Providence St. Joseph Health has activated an Each Mind Matters Campaign in Orange County. This social media campaign promotes open and honest conversations with friends and family to improve community understanding, acceptance and support of mental health and wellness.

To learn more about stigma, mental health and resources visit: PromisetoTalk.org

 

Directing Change Program and Film Contest logo

The Directing Change Program and Film Contest engages youth and young adults to learn about the warning signs for suicide, the importance of mental health, and how to a help a friend through the creation of short films. Throughout the filmmaking process, participants are engaged via all methods of the "learning spectrum" to see, experience and discuss mental health.

2021 Statewide Winners from Orange County

View third place Suicide Prevention video “Quaranteens" from Woodbridge High School
View third place Mental Health Matters video "Bloom" from Portola High School
View second place Walk In Our Shoes - What Is Mental Health video “Life in Color” from Gordon H. Beatty Middle School

Learn more about the program and view more films

 

Activeminds logo

Active Minds is a program that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. With over 450 chapters nationwide, they are changing the culture on campuses and in the community by providing information, leadership opportunities and advocacy training to the next generation. Currently, Orange County has Active Minds Chapters at the following schools:

  • California State University, Fullerton
  • Chapman University
  • Golden West College
  • Santiago Canyon College
  • University of California, Irvine
  • Yorba Linda High school

To learn more, visit: ActiveMinds.org

 

Be Well OC logo

Be Well OC is a community of caregivers in Orange County coming together in common purpose. Organizations from public, private, academic, faith and other sectors are uniting to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of all in OC. Reducing and eliminating Stigma related to mental illness is an area of focus in this countywide effort.

To learn more about BeWell OC and to stay informed about what is happening in OC visit: bewelloc.org

Learn About Mental Health Educational Resources

Take Action for Mental Health

California's Mental Health Movement is created to unite people and organizations across the state who share a vision of improved mental health and equality. The goal is to amplify the voices of all people who want to put an end to stigma about mental illness, creating a community where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for the support they deserve. A variety of educational resources in many different languages are available on the website.

For more information, visit: takeaction4mh.com
in Spanish, Sana Mente at: takeaction4mh.com/es/

 

Know the Signs logo

Know the Signs is a social marketing campaign to prevent suicide by encouraging individuals to know the signs, find the words to talk to someone they are concerned about, and to reach out to resources.

For more information visit: suicideispreventable.org
In Spanish, Reconozca Las Senales at: elsuicidioesprevenible.org

 

Walk in our Shoes logo

Walk in Our Shoes utilizes real stories from teens and young adults to teach youth about mental health challenges and mental wellness. The website includes lessons and activities to reduce stigma associated with mental illnesses by debunking myths and educating 9-13 year olds about mental wellness.

For more information visit: walkinourshoes.org
In Spanish, Ponte En Mis Zapatos at: ponteenmiszapatos.org

 

Partnership to end addiction

Not sure how to prevent youth from using alcohol or drugs? Or what to do if you suspect or have discovered substance use? Learn how to discourage risky behaviors, strategies to connect with youth, and effective parenting skills.

For more information, visit: drugfree.org/prevention-and-taking-action-early/