Stigma
Stigma is when someone is judged for who they are as a person (including race or gender identity), the things they are experiencing in life, or the choices they make. This can include mental health or substance use challenges. Feeling shame or blame in your life, can affect your overall wellbeing.
Things are changing a lot. There is more awareness of how stigma impacts people.
Many people are working to improve the support and services that exist, so that people can feel safe and respected when accessing help. This may include being able to access care that is provided in your language of choice or finding a program that supports your connection to your culture.
It’s important to talk about the tough stuff. There’s strength in talking about the things you are dealing with.
Have a conversation with a loved one or a friend. If someone reaches out to you for help, the best thing you can do is listen without judgement.
If you’re seeking support from a mental health and substance use professional, you can ask questions about their beliefs, experience, and the kinds of supports they provide. This can help you decide if they’re the right person for you.
Resources
Showing 5 Resources
Stigma-Free Society
Committed to combating stigma of all kinds, with a focus on mental health.
Stop Overdose BC
The StopOverdoseBC campaign aims to reduce the stigma around addiction and provide information and resources to help people support their family and friends.
Get the facts about common topics surrounding the overdose crisis in BC, learn how to support your loved ones, and find information about treatment and recovery options, naloxone, Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), and overdose prevention.
Family Support Institute BC
Support for families who have a child or family member with a disability.
Living Life to the Full
Free, online courses that help you build skills for coping with stress, problem solving and boosting mood.
HeretoHelp
Provides online mental health and substance use information for individuals and families in BC. The website features thousands of plain-language resources including personal stories, articles, information sheets and content in eleven languages. As well, individuals can email requests for help, support, information or referrals.
There are also four screening self-tests visitors can take covering mental well-being, depression, anxiety disorders and risky drinking. The website is coordinated by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division on behalf of a group of mental health and addictions non-profit agencies called the BC Partners.