Stomp Out Stigma

Mental Health
1.

Mental illness can be caused by a
character weakness or moral defect Yes No

2. Recent studies show genetic links
to mental illness Yes No
3. Insurance companies must provide the same coverage for the mind as for the body Yes No
4. People who receive treatment for
mental illness are more prone to
violence than the population at large Yes No
5. People who suffer from a mental
health disorder cannot fully recover to lead a productive life Yes No
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ABOUT THE Community Network Services Anti-Stigma Program

The Community Network Services (CNS) Anti-Stigma program is a nationally recognized,consumer-run program, focusing on providing mental health education and support to communities throughout Michigan. The program is funded through private donations and financial support via the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority in Michigan. Our goal is to decrease stigma by combining factual information about mental health issues with powerful, personal stories of recovery. We aim to assist people in connecting to vital resources and to educate, empower and help people deal knowledgeably with mental health challenges.

We provide outreach in the following ways:
  • Community Presentations to local businesses, organizations, religious institutions, and schools
  • Production of weekly cable access television show, “Unlocking The Mind” seen on WOW channel 18 and Comcast channel 52, in eleven communities in Oakland County, Michigan
  • Created and produced Award-winning, anti-stigma documentary “Did You Know?”
  • Participation in community events and conferences
  • Quarterly community events on timely topics

Learn more about Community Network Services

Learn more about Oakland County Community Mental Health

Contact us directly by phone at 248-745-4900 x 1058

If you need immediate help for services call Common Ground Crisis Line at 1-800-231-1127

WHAT IS STIGMA?

Stig-ma: a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as of one’s reputation

“Stigma is prejudice wrapped in shame, born of our ignorance and fed by our fear” Barbara Lawton, Lt. Governor of Wisconsin

In ancient times, bodily signs or ‘stigmata’ were physical marks or tattoos that were cut or burnt onto peoples bodies to mark them as different. It was usually reserved for criminals and slaves.

We no longer mark people with physical markings; but we still mark them with our attitudes, our actions and our words. In stigmatizing others, we discriminate against people for things that they have no control over.

Some of the negative consequences of stigma are:

  • Stigma surrounding mental illness is largely seen as the primary reason people do not seek help for mental health challenges
  • Barriers are formed in every area of life – housing, employment, relationships
  • Stigma closes minds and fuels discrimination.
  • Stigma hurts, punishes, and diminishes people.
  • Societal stigma occurs and results in inadequate funding for research and insurance coverage

We encourage you to join us in our mission to Stomp Out Stigma!