Stigma and Discrimination
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The stigma of mental illness has been highlighted in almost every report produced by HUG. Over the last few years the HUG Communications Project has been trying to challenge this as we firmly believe that:
Examples of stigma experienced by HUG members included being forced to hide the fact they had been admitted to hospital, employers looking for reasons to turn someone down for a job once they knew the person had a mental health problem, kids throwing stones, being told to 'go away to the loony bin', and family members hiding/denying mental illness in the family. 'I felt like I had horns on me and everyone was looking at me'.
HUG members spoke strongly about the effects of stigma on their lives: 'Once you have been ill it is like a shadow over you for ever more' Many people spoke about being forced to hide, and even lie, about the fact they had a mental illness, particularly if looking for employment. Some people felt angry that they should be stigmatised for the pain they have experienced and what they have had to go through. |
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Highland Users Group Tel: ) Email: |
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