This issue brief by the Illinois Institute of Technology examines research on how stigma impacts adults with serious mental illness and how these experiences are different for individuals who are experiencing first episode psychosis. Scroll down to see some of our favorite quotes or click the Sources link to access the full report from SAMHSA.
“Realization of the injustice of shame emerges as people live with the stigmatized experience over time—for example, for people with mental illness as they progress in their mental health “career.” People with First Episode Psychosis may lack this awareness and may not understand the value of addressing self-stigma. Programs by peers with lived experience may help them gain insight into the effects of shame and how to address it.”
“Stigma Affects Youth with FEP in Different Social Spheres: Discrimination experienced by adults with mental illness often focuses on loss of opportunities in vocation and independent living. Youth with FEP are more concerned about stigma’s impact in different areas: (1) school and how teachers, classmates, and friends react; (2) relationships, especially as the person enters the dating scene; and (3) extended family and how to let them know about the challenges of FEP.”