[Dion]

Some sources of prejudice and discrimination

Fear: Some people – unjustifiably – fear that those with mental disorders are likely to be violent. Some people simply fear the condition itself because it affects a person's behaviour. These fears may be reinforced by the media.

Misconceptions: There is a widespread belief that people cannot recover from mental illness or participate in their communities. Most do.

Blame and self-blame: People with mental disorders are sometimes blamed for their condition or viewed as weak. They, or their loved ones, may also blame themselves. In many cultures, the entire family carries their loved one's stigma.

How bad is it?

A recent Canadian research study found that almost half of the people surveyed considered a mental disorder was just an excuse for poor behaviour. Research has also shown that more than 50% of people living with mental illness felt they had been discriminated against.

Everyone has the right to live without discrimination, including people with mental health problems. All of us in our society, from individuals to the media, can play a part in ensuring that they do.

http://www.mentalhealthweek.ca/stigm...rimination.php