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Mental Health Stigma

Stigma and discrimination have caused so many of us to suffer. Let's break down stigma so no one struggles in silence. 

Take the  to see if you’ve been affected by mental health stigma and/or  to be stigma free

 

• Use respectful language to talk about mental health conditions.
• Challenge misconceptions when you see or hear them.
• Offer support if you think someone is having trouble 
• Use respectful language that does not define someone by illness. Avoid labels such as challenged, crazy, demented, schizo, special, normal/not normal

Instead of... She's bipolar He's schizophrenic They are mentally ill He committed suicide

Try... She has bipolar disorder He's living with schizophrenia They have a mental health condition He died by suicide

Resources on Identity and Mental Health

​Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race and language all affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. Cultural differences can significantly influence what treatments, coping mechanisms and supports work for us. It is therefore essential for culture and identity to be a part of the conversation as we discuss both mental health and mental health care. Annually, mental illness affects: ​

• 14% of  
• 17% of  
• 17% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adults 
• 18% of  
• 19% of  
• 32% of multiracial adults 
• 44% of  

 

Visit NAMI’s online for resources specific to these communities. In this , NAMI explores unique perspectives on mental health from the Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American/Pacific Islander and LGBTQI communities. Through candid and courageous stories of lived experience, these mental health champions share their journeys of resiliency and recovery. 

In addition, the UT Health SA has numerous other that can contribute to healthy mental states. 

Mental Health Reporting in Medicine

In the demanding field of health care, stressors are inevitable. From adjusting to unusual hours and extra shifts, to the trauma of losing patients — the job is not easy. The COVID-19 pandemic has created added layers of uncertainty and increased loss, along with deep concern for the well-being of yourself and your family. Now more than ever, those taking care of us on the frontlines need our support in return. Take a moment to review , as well as a range of resources created especially for medical professionals. You’ll also find actionable tips on building resiliency, and ways for families to get involved. 

“A number of barriers come from a mindset that physicians are supposed to be superhuman. Instead, we should be setting professional norms that medicine is an emotionally demanding profession and that it’s common at times to need help.” 

Tait Shanafelt, MD 
Chief Wellness Officer at Stanford Medicine 

Caring for others requires that you also care for yourself. However, there are many concerns on the future of a career in medicine if mental health conditions are reported. See  that answers many of your questions related to mental health reporting.  

Am I required to report my mental and physical health diagnoses when applying for my medical license?  

Concerns about getting a medical license should never keep you from seeking treatment for a mental or physical health diagnosis. Physicians with mental and physical health diagnoses can obtain a medical license in every state, but the process for doing so varies between states. States differ in how they ask about current versus historical diagnoses. How this information is handled also differs from state to state as listed on the application.   

If I need to take a medical leave during medical school, is the reason why kept private from my colleagues and supervising physicians?  

Yes. If you need to take a prolonged amount of medical leave that will affect your ability to complete educational requirements on time, you should talk with your Student Affairs’ Deans for guidance. Leave policies can be found in the Medical Student Handbook (Found in your class canvas page).  

Non-profits / Advocacy Organizations

. Recognizing the stigma around doctors and other medical professionals talking about their mental health struggles, the AMA created a new policy that encourages state licensing boards to only ask about current mental health challenges rather than past instances that no longer impair their ability to practice.

. The AAFP is working with other partners to combat stigmas surrounding mental health in the medical profession – specifically for practitioners – by creating awareness around this growing concern. The organization created the National Physician Suicide Awareness Day to help educate individuals on the seriousness of the problem.

. The AFSP offers a comprehensive guide on healthcare professional burnout, depression, and suicide prevention to help bring awareness to these issues and provide tools for supporting medical professionals before more serious concerns present themselves.