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Stamp Out Stigma

What You Can Do

Top 10 Things You Can Do To Stamp Out Stigma

10. Watch how words are used. Words like crazy, nuts, wacko, schizo – all promote stigma or can be offensive to individuals who have a mental illness.
    
    
9. Use people first language. For example; a person with a mental illness instead of mentally ill people.
   
   
8. Become educated on mental illnesses. Look up mental illness, and specific conditions and find out more about the people who have these illnesses.
   
   
7. Confront jokes about mental illness. Refuse to listen.
   
   
6. Do tell someone if they express a stigmatizing attitude. People are often unaware of the facts about mental illness and it is important to let others know when they are presenting a stigmatizing attitude.
   
   
5. Recognize the common signs of mental distress or illness in yourself and in your friends so you can find help if you need to.
   
   
4. If you’re a student, get involved in Active Minds.
   
   
3. If you’re student, staff, or faculty, get involved in Stamp Out Stigma.
   
   
2. Do emphasize abilities, not limitations. A mental illness is like other chronic health conditions. It is a part of an individual, it does not define them.
   
   
1. If you have mental health concerns, seek help! Use the resources available at University of Minnesota.
   
   

   To view these resources visit http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu
   

Concerned About a Friend

Concerned about a friend’s mental health, but don’t know how to help. View the video on the following webpage to learn about ways to support a friend: