Assumptions and Stigma (2019)

I listened to someone talking about “assumptions” at the weekend and it set me thinking about the word in context of mental health. One meaning in the OED states “take as being true.” Another in the Cambridge Dictionary is “a willingness to accept something as true without question or proof.”   Societies values and beliefs can influence and impact our assumptions. So, I see a clear link between assumptions and stigma which we are all working so hard to dispel. 

Myths that people with a mental illness can’t live a normal life or hold down a job or the majority of people with schizophrenia are likely to be violent, are assumptions.

Because people are so sincere in their assumptions, they fail to discuss or challenge those beliefs, consequently feeding stigma. At worst assumptions kill communication.

Much of the work I do, is to encourage people to talk openly and more importantly naturally about mental health.  There is nothing for people to fear talking with people who have a mental illness and indeed they may learn something. I would hope that by doing so, people’s assumptions can be challenged, and we can influence a change in mind set.

I have shared my own lived experience story, surviving suicide for about 5 years, and in that time have delivered my talks over 300 times and in excess of 5,000 people. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this work, just a pity it is necessary in the first place. I look forward to growing this as it is a story that continues to evolve – very much a living story.

During this time, I hope I have made people think about their own assumptions and brought about personal reflection through discussion and a change in conviction.

Contact me via LinkedIn to see how I can help your organisation in raising mental health awareness issues in the workplace.