b'This type of stigmatizing language is so common in our culture that we may useexpressions like these in everyday speech without ever questioning it. So check yourlanguage. Are you using expressions that minimize mental illness by comparing itto something less serious? Do expressions you use perpetuate stereotypes aboutpeople who are mentally ill? Have you labeled bad behavior with words that reallyapply to mental health conditions? Changing our choice of words to more accuratelyreect what we mean is a simple way that we can help to break down social stigma.ReessoouurrcceessRNational Institute of Mental Healthhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/ NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental health disorders. Theirwebsite provides educational materials on a wide variety of mental health conditionsand treatments. It also provides information on, and opportunities to participate in,mental health research.Make It Okhttps://makeitok.org/ Make It Ok is a campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness. On the site,people can nd suggestions for talking about mental illness in a nonstigmatizingway, read stories of individuals with mental illness, or submit their own story tohelp others.Fighting Institutional Stigma Creating institutional change is a slow process that occurs through awarenessand advocacy. You can certainly create awareness by sharing your story or educatingothers about mental illness. But another key way to ght institutional change is bytaking political action.The idea of taking political action may sound intimidating. You may picturedrafting legislation or organizing rallies. But it doesnt have to be that complicated.At its most basic, political advocacy is a two-step process:1. Learning about issues that aect people with mental illness and their families.2. Letting your legislators hear your voice on these important topics. You can easily participate in this kind of advocacy on issues that aect peoplewith mental illness by getting involved with organizations that advocate on theirbehalf. Here are some great resources to learn about these issues and to help youtake action:23'