How Discrimination Affects Lives

When mental illnesses are used as labels, these labels hurt. Labels can often lead to branding and shame. Many times, labels lead to discrimination. Most people know why it is wrong to discriminate against people because of their race, religion, culture or appearance. They are less aware of how people with mental illnesses are discriminated against. Although such discrimination may not always be obvious, it exists and it hurts.

The discrimination of mental illness is real, painful and damaging to the lives of people with mental illness. Discrimination:

• Discourages people from seeking help
  Many people do not seek services because they do not want to be labeled "mentally ill."


• Keeps people from obtaining jobs and
  advancing in the workplace
  Some employers are reluctant to hire people who have a mental illness.


• Leads to fear and mistrust
  The average television viewer sees three people with mental illness per week. Most of these portrayals depict people carrying out some type of violence. This inaccurate portrayal leads to fear of those who have mental illnesses.


• Results in predjudice and discrimination
  Many individuals try to prevent those with mental illnesses from living near so-called "normal" people.
• Results in inadequate insurance coverage
  Many insurance plans do not cover mental health services to the same degree as other illnesses. Coverage may be limited, inappropriate or inadequate. When this happens, the health of loved ones can be at risk.