When people with mental health and substance-use disorders encounter a person who stigmatizes them – uses language or behaves in a way that is critical, diminishing or dismissive about their illness – they feel shame. That feeling is a barrier to opening up about their condition and seeking support and treatment.

Sadly, many people choose to engage in destructive stigmatizing behavior on purpose. Often, however, people say and do things that they don’t realize are causing harm, bringing shame and demoralizing feelings to those around them, including people they care about. People living with mental illness often say the stigma and discrimination associated with their illness can be worse than the mental illness itself. Stigma leaves a mark that wounds even if it can’t be seen.

The bottom line? Stigma never helps. Words matter, and what we say and do can stop people in need from seeking help. Now’s your chance to change lives for the better.