Letters and Emails to City Voices' Editors

Letters and Emails to City Voices' Editors

There is No Stigma

Stigma is defined as a 'mark of shame' or 'token of disgrace.' Mental illness is not a mark of shame. It is not a token of disgrace. Mental illness is—like many other illnesses—a no-fault disorder. Yet many persons with mental illness believe there is stigma. Why is that? It is because many in the general public are prejudiced against, discriminate against and dislike persons with mental illness. Some with the illness, rather than recognizing the bigotry, prejudice and discrimination in others, believe them and as a result have come to believe there is stigma— that having a mental illness is in fact a 'mark of shame.' Unfortunately, their belief system is encouraged by mental health advocates and organizations that go around teaching there is stigma. This is wrong. People with cancer, gays, African Americans, lefties and others once believed there was stigma to their circumstances for the exact same reason: others discriminated against them. Over time, these groups moved from believing there is stigma to fighting the bigotry, prejudice and discrimination in others. Few believe there is stigma to having cancer, being gay, leftie or African American anymore. It’s time to move on. Mental health advocates should stop teaching people with mental illness that there is stigma. Start teaching there is none. And start fighting bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination in others.

DJ Jaffe

Executive Director, Mental Illness Policy Org.

Loved the Winter Edition

Just wanted to take a moment to compliment you on your latest issue (winter 2015 edition). I was especially impressed with the pieces written by David Scott, "Tooth Extraction Unlocks Bipolar Adventure," and A.J. Johnson, "I've Been Here Before." The two pieces were vivid and illuminating. A.J. Johnson, especially, hits the alienation of being mentally ill on the nail. I hope that these two writers continue to contribute to your publication. Furthermore, both of the aforementioned contributors have inspired me to continue writing my psychological memoir, parts of which I may submit to your publication. Please continue your excellent work!
Craig R. Bayer