Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence . Even though the vast majority of people who have mental illnesses are no more violent than anyone else, the average television viewer sees three people with mental illnesses each week-and most of them are portrayed as violent. Such inaccurate portrayals lead people to fear those who have mental illnesses. Stigma results in prejudice and discrimination . Many individuals try to prevent people who have mental illnesses from living in their neighborhoods.
Stigma results in inadequate insurance coverage .
Many insurance plans do not cover mental health services to the same degree as other illnesses. When mental illnesses are covered, coverage may be limited, inappropriate, or inadequate. Many organizations sponsor nationwide programs about mental health and mental illness. Several are listed at the end of this brochure. Insist on accountable media.