StigmaFree Quiz Results

Record your answers from the questions and learn about the results to see if you are affected by stigma.

Before taking a look at the results, take the quiz to see if you might be affected by stigma. Learn about why stigma affects mental health and getting help.

“I think people with mental illness…”

1. Need to snap out of it.
2. Did something wrong to cause it.
3. Need our love and support. (Correct)
4. Are sometimes faking it.

People with mental illness need our love and support. There are so many misconceptions about what mental illness is and what it means to live with a mental health condition. For example, mental illness is not the result of a personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Likewise, it isn’t about “getting over it” through willpower. Without meaning to, we may send those stigmatizing messages to someone struggling with a mental health condition. You can address stigma by taking a understanding, caring approach.

• Use respectful language to talk about mental health conditions.
• Challenge misconceptions when you see or hear them.
• See the person, not the condition.
• Offer support if you think someone is having trouble.

Which one of the following is a myth about stigma?

1. It makes people feel alienated or feel “less than.”
2. It’s not really a big problem for people with mental health conditions. (Correct)
3. It prevents people from seeking help for symptoms.
4. It makes people fear judgement if they share their story.

Stigma is a big problem for people with mental health conditions. It affects people’s well-being, prevents them from seeking treatment and damages self-esteem. Many people with mental health conditions don’t feel comfortable talking about what they’re dealing with. Even worse, individuals with mental illness often internalize stigma, damaging hopes for recovery. Some don’t seek treatment, and their conditions worsen. And too often, people take their own lives because they aren’t told by anyone that they’re not alone, they can recover and there is hope.

If someone in your family is diagnosed with a mental illness, you should:

1. Treat them differently than you used to.
2. Distance yourself from them.
3. Feel sorry for them.
4. Listen to them and show support. (Correct)

If someone in your family is diagnosed with a mental illness, you should listen to them and show support. Remind your loved one you’re there to help and you’re not giving up. You can support them in the following ways:

• Learn as much as possible about mental health and your family member’s condition.
• Show interest in your family member’s treatment plan.
• Encourage your family member to follow the treatment plan.
• Strive for an atmosphere of cooperation within the family.
• Listen carefully.

Express your support out loud with simple, caring language. “I’m sorry you feel bad and I want to help.” “It isn’t your fault. It’s an illness that can happen to anyone.”

If you had more than a few wrong answers you may have misinformation about mental illness or reactions to negative stereotypes. Stigma of mental illness and those who live with it can affect us in many different ways. One way to help is to promise to be mindful and adjust your thinking in the future. You can make the promise below and take the pledge to be Stigmafree.

“I promise to change my behavior to support everyone affected by mental health conditions. I will listen more and judge less. I won’t use harmful words that prevent people from seeking help. I will be an ally to friends, family and coworkers.”