Global Citizen Scholars:

Mental Illness Stigma

Chloe Cummins, Rebecca Dabbs, Cassidy Kempthorne, Kathryn Loehr
The Problem
The Stigma of Mental Illnesses
Why is it a problem?
What are some ways that
people with mental illness are
stigmatized?
What causes the stigma?
Levels of Involvement
UC Campus
Mental Health Awareness Week
How can this help?
Spreading information
You realize how others are
struggling with it
Community involvement
means support
Source: https://www.learnpsychology.org/student-stress-anxiety-guide/
Drawing What Anxiety Feels Like
Community
Teaching the Community
Spreading awareness
Talk to elementary and middle school students
#awarenessstartsyoung
Design posters to place around the community
Ending stigma starts with being informed
Interview Takeaways
Interview with Jill Trigg, Therapist at UCBA

1. Mental illness and stigma perspective: I believe we are currently working very hard across college
campuses to eliminate any stigmas attached to mental health. In past years we have avoided talking
about mental health because it was thought to be a weakness in an individual. We now know that
mental health issues can effect the most driven individual and not something to be ashamed of.
2. Solving the problem: College campuses are providing mental health services to students at a low to
no cost. Mental health providers are on campuses across America. There are many activities on
campus that promote mental health awareness and welcome discussion about the issues college
students face.
3. Advice to students wanting to do more: I would suggest student talk to their campus counselors to
see how they can involve themselves. I would also suggest to create classroom projects around the
topic to inform yourself and others.
Interview Takeaways (cont.)
4. Resources to seek help: There are hotline numbers for every community. Each county has
their own resources available. There is the united way website that gives resources for services
and updates their information often. Students should begin at their counseling department,
which should provide any resources needed.
5. Most common mental illnesses: The majority of students that walk through my door report
anxiety or depression. Statistically across campuses, anxiety is the number 1 issues that
students seek counseling.
6. Ways to learn about mental illnesses: I would suggest all students attend learning lunches or
events that discuss mental health. I would suggest students make themselves aware of their
services available on campus to help themselves or others.
National
Misrepresentation in Media
What movies or shows have good or bad representation of mental
illness?
Reaching out to directors
Demanding good representation
Source: https://psychcentral.com/lib/medias-damaging-depictions-of-mental-illness/
International
 Mission trips
Increase access to mental health resources
Source: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2011/mental_health_20111007/en/
Additional Student
Resources
Ted Talks (ted.com)
Sangu Delle: Theres no shame in taking
care care of your mental health
Ruby Wax: Whats so funny about mental
illness?
HelpLines
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Care Center (Cincinnati)
513-281-CARE (2273)
Suicide Prevention Center (Dayton)
1-800-320-HELP (4357)
Support Groups in Butler County
(nami-bc.org/get-support)
NAMI Recovery Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group
Womens Speak Easy
Recovery International
The Friendship Club
And many more..
UC Blue Ash Counseling Services
(513) 745-5670