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Curing the stigma of addiction is no simple task, made evident by the fact that millions of Americans still harbor fear about seeking treatment. Even though it is the 21st Century and scientists have a better understanding of mental illness than ever before, millions of people in the U.S. maintain inaccurate notions about diseases of the mind. Misconceptions and ignorance beget shame, guilt, and stigma; when individuals are made to feel inferior or at fault for an illness they are less likely to seek assistance.

stigma

The proof of the above reality can be seen in the numbers; facts, in fact, do not lie! The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration or SAMHSA reports that only 41% of adults living with a mental health condition in the United States received mental health services in the past year. Far less than half of the 43.8 million (1 in 5 adults) Americans dealing with symptoms of mental illness underwent professional help.

Even though there exists ample evidence of the benefits of seeking treatment and learning how to lead a life in recovery, stigma is an oppressive wall standing in the way of healing. So, during Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI is asking the country to play a role in changing people’s opinions on mental health starting with getting tested for stigma.

 

Help Cure Stigma During MIAW

Men and women are at significant risk when they feel like they need to keep their mental illness under wraps for fear of social penalties. Such persons hide their symptoms from their friends and families at a terrible cost. Left without tools to manage one’s symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress, and bipolar disorder – for example – individuals often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their condition. Self-medication, as it is often described, hardly offers the kind of relief one desires; in fact, using drugs and alcohol to deal only serves to exacerbate a person’s symptoms. It isn’t a coincidence that among the 20.2 million adults in the U.S. who experienced a substance use disorder, 50.5 percent or 10.2 million adults had a co-occurring mental illness.

Those living with a dual diagnosis are at an even higher risk of experiencing harm, both intended and accidental (i.e., overdose). It is vital that anyone experiencing the symptoms of mental illness feel that they can share what they are going through with others. When people are made to feel like issues are salient and that others care about their well-being, the result is more men and women making the courageous decisions to reach out for help. With that in mind, it is vital that the country take mental health seriously. It is critical that everyone look past the noise of persistent stereotypes that only serve to shame the afflicted. NAMI writes:  

There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma. 

NAMI asks everyone to join the fight against stigma and spread messages of hope to those still suffering. Please click here if you would like to use social media to share information, resources, and support for mental health conditions.

 

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

At Hope By The Sea, we have extensive experience treating clients who meet the criteria for addiction and co-occurring mental illness. We fully grasp how critical it is that both mental afflictions receive concurrent treatment. Please contact us today to learn how the miracle of recovery can be yours too.