How to Eliminate Stigma

This page provides some examples of strategies you can use to eliminate mental health stigma. There is no easy method to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, but there are some small, simple shifts you can make to address it.

WALLS

The acronym “WALLS” is a great tool to remember to help reduce stigma

 

NORMALIZATION

Another important way to eliminate stigma is to recognize how prevalent it is within society. The National Alliance on Mental Illness developed the following infographic to illustrate that millions of people are affected by mental health issues every year.

 

 

One way we can continue to normalize mental health is to continuously talk about it. Even various celebrities have publicly discussed their journey with mental health concerns. Check out this inspirational speech by Selena Gomez:

 

TAKE ACTION

Given the high prevalence of mental health concerns in our society, it is important to create environments that are free of shame and discrimination so that people feel more comfortable seeking mental health treatment. Therefore, in order to dismantle the negative perception of mental health, we must act!

There are many local and national organizations that are dedicated to reducing mental health stigma.

1. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a nationwide campaign known as StigmaFree. Click here Links to an external site. to learn more about this initiative. You can even get involved with NAMI locally. Information about the Austin NAMI Chapter can be found here Links to an external site.. NAMI also has a local chapter here on UT's Campus. To learn more about how to get involved with this student group click here Links to an external site..  

2. Make it OK is another initiative that is dedicated to helping people know what to say when discussing mental health. To find out more about their mission click here Links to an external site.. Feel free to also print and complete their pledge card:

3. As a student at UT, there are also several ways to get involved with the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CHMC). For more information about opportunities through the CMHC click here Links to an external site.

4. Like many of these initiatives aimed at reducing mental health stigma, we understand that the main way to eliminate stigma is through communication. So why don't you start that conversation now by engaging in fruitful dialogue with your fellow Longhorns by participating in our Canvas Discussion Post. 

 

For additional information about specific strategies and resources that can be used to eliminate stigma click here