Category Archives

Mental Illness Stigma

silhouette of woman with gun

Stop Blaming Mental Illness for Gun-Related Violence

By Kristance Harlow | April 29, 2022 |
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With painkillers like OxyContin, the overdose reversal drug naloxone, and detox/maintenance medications like Suboxone, the pharmaceutical industry is making a profit off people addicted to opioid at every stage. Opioids are highly addictive and sometimes, especially in combination with other drugs, deadly.

Woman with mascara running holds a sign in front of her face with a smile on it.

Sometimes I Feel Ashamed of My Mental Health

By Kristance Harlow | November 29, 2019 |
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I think I should be different by now. That I should be better by now. And I don’t want to reveal the extent of my struggle because I feel ashamed. I’m embarrassed.

prescription drug bottles

No, You Aren’t a Drug Addict If You Take Antidepressants

By Kristance Harlow | November 28, 2019 |
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Addiction or dependence? Words have meaning — and when it comes to something as serious as addiction, getting them right matters.

Yes, You Can Travel for Work With a Mental Illness

By Kristance Harlow | December 5, 2018 |
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The most invisible and stigmatized of all health issues are mental illnesses. It’s fucked up, but disclosing a mental illness while looking for a job can impact your chances of getting hired. It might be illegal (depending on where you live), but so many people in this world are ignorant. Companies may find some other point of contention…

Will I Pass My Mental Illness to My Children?

By Kristance Harlow | October 1, 2018 |
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I want children of my own, but for the past few years I have been afraid that I would pass this on to my offspring. I feared how will my body and mind handle it?

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

By Kristance Harlow | January 16, 2018 |
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Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly called multiple personality disorder, is an extremely misunderstood condition related to serious trauma usually in childhood. It’s a controversial diagnosis, in part because of the widespread ignorance and because it frequently occurs alongside other disorders.

Mental Health Stigma Nearly Killed Me

By Kristance Harlow | January 14, 2018 |
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Stigma about mental illness was encoded into my inner schema. It was so deeply embedded in me that it prevented me from even trying out possible solutions.

Caution

The Necessity of Trigger Warnings

By Kristance Harlow | December 21, 2017 |
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A trigger warning is a buffe, a necessary reprieve from the onslaught of triggers we can’t avoid — like the hellish time travel triggered by the sound of a high pitched alarm, the sudden slamming of a door, the smell of a freshly kindled fire or cracks of thunder.

Medical Disorders: The Social Component

By Kristance Harlow | July 9, 2013 |
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“It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” [Jiddu Krisnamurti] Have you ever gone to the doctors having already self-diagnosed yourself? Do you ever find yourself suggesting which medication to go on to your doctor? Maybe you are very aware of your body and take control of your own…

How Pharmaceutical Companies Sell Diseases

By Kristance Harlow | June 29, 2013 |
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What is Disease Mongering? Do you have a headache? Take some Ibuprofen. Stomach upset? Take a TUMS. Are you lactose intolerant? Eat dairy and just take a lactose pill. Have you been feeling down lately and watching a lot of TV because you feel sad? There’s a pill for that! A lot of money is…

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. The numbers listed here are the commonly used numbers for the stated region, the numbers can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you don't know your country's equivalent to 911, this wiki page and The Lifeline Foundation have comprehensive listings.

Americas

911

The Americas

Europe

112

Europe

Africa

112 & 999

Africa

Asia

112, 999, 110

Asia

Oceania

112, 911, 999, 111, & 000

Oceania

Find help for a crisis by texting, calling, or chatting online with these free crisis organizations. Looking for one outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

Crisis Text Line
Text: “HOME” to 741741

Suicide Lifeline
Text: “ANSWER” to 839863
Call: 1-800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453

The Trevor Project
Text “START” to 678678
1-866-488-7386

These online and international resources may help you anywhere you are located. Looking for local support outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

DV Support Abroad
Call toll-free worldwide
1-833-723-3833

I'm Alive Virtual Crisis Center
Live chat with trained volunteers

Crisis Connections
24/7 crisis support with interpretation in 155+ languages