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Spring 2010 | Vol 13 No 3

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Sheila Lacroix

The anti-stigma movement: Branching out

Government agencies, regional health services and professional associations have joined consumer advocacy groups in addressing the stigma and exclusion experienced by people with mental illness.

New Zealand: Like Minds, Like Mine
An enquiry into mental health services in the late 1990s paved the way for the Like Mine, Like Minds public education campaign, named to focus on similarities, rather than differences. This core funded government public health program offers a research component that includes surveys and campaign evaluations.

United States: ADS Center
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has developed the online ADS (Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion) Center. It focuses on gathering research and providing technical assistance and support to a range of audiences. Its section on “Language” includes readings for health professionals.

World Psychiatry Association: Open the Doors
In 1996, the WPA introduced a global program to combat stigma around schizophrenia. The program web site provides information for professionals and families. One core resource is a periodically updated annotated bibliography of resources on stigma. Alberta was the first site in Canada to introduce Open the Doors by Canadian psychiatrists in co-operation with the regional Schizophrenia Society and its speakers’ bureau. Guidelines for reducing stigma directed at ER clients with acute psychosis were developed and have since been adopted across Canada.

Canadian Psychiatric Association: Part of the Solution
It should be noted that within disciplines mental health specialists may also be affected by stigma that can affect recruitment and image. At the 2008 CPA annual general meeting, “Proud to be a Psychiatrist – Part of the Solution” t-shirts were distributed. Read Dr. Patrick White’s presidential address in the October 2008 issue of Canadian Psychiatrist Aujourd’hui.