SAMHSA Publications Available to Address Social Inclusion
 
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers educational products and publications that address issues related to social inclusion of people with mental illnesses.  They can be used to dispel the shame, prejudice, and discrimination that impede help-seeking behavior and the full participation of people with mental illnesses in our communities.  

Before You Label People, Look At Their Contents (brochure)

Words define our perceptions and shape our behavior.  When used to label people according to deficits or disorders, words misrepresent people and reinforce societal judgments.  Labels perpetuate shame and fear, foster prejudice and discrimination, and lead to social alienation.  Consequently, people with mental illnesses may not seek help or may internalize these beliefs.  People with mental illnesses can actively participate in treatment and recover.  The brochure suggests six steps that address the injustice of discrimination and alienation, and lists mental health education programs that promote acceptance, dignity, and social inclusion.
            

Know Me As A Person (Poster)
This poster reminds people that mental health consumers are whole people who, like others, live with an illness, belong in our families and communities, and contribute to society.
 

Partners in Recovery: Creating Successful Practitioner-Consumer Alliances (VHS)
This 18-minute videotape stimulates professionals to reconsider their perceptions and assumptions about, and to search for ways to improve their communication and relationships with consumers.  Consumers as well as mental health professionals share personal stories regarding effective and ineffective methods in building constructive relationships.  Topics include concepts basic to every therapeutic relationship—recovery, hope and empowerment, information dissemination, consumers as experts, and family and peer support.

Challenging Stereotypes: An Action Guide (booklet - PDF download)
This publication promotes the elimination of prejudice toward people who live with mental illnesses by providing instructions for how to speak out through writing effective letters and delivering messages to print, radio, television, and film organizations.  As a public education tool, this timely information empowers members of the mental health community who wish to undertake advocacy to change public attitudes.

         
Mentally Healthy Aging: A Report on Overcoming Stigma for Older Americans (booklet - PDF download)
This publication describes the outcomes of a roundtable discussion on older adults with mental illnesses.  It identifies the impact of prejudice and discrimination experienced by older adults, the barriers to eliminating discrimination and stigma, and most important, the strategies and the resources to remove those barriers.  
 

Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative (booklet - PDF download)
This publication assists in planning of statewide, regional, or local efforts that support the acceptance, dignity, and social inclusion of people with mental illnesses and assists in countering discrimination and other impediments to social inclusion.  It is intended for use by local mental health advocates, consumers of mental health services and family members, community leaders, and organizations and individuals who dedicate themselves to eliminating barriers to social inclusion.  Examples cite that inspiration and innovation are necessary partners in overcoming barriers to developing successful initiatives.  
 

Self-Disclosure and Its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services (booklet - PDF download)
IResearch has shown that public attitudes about mental illness improve when people have contact, or interactions, with people with mental illnesses.   People with mental illnesses have to make individual decisions about self-disclosure, whether or not to disclose and how much to disclose.  This publication examines the reasons for self-disclosure, the advantages and risks, and other factors relating to the process and impact of taking this decisive step.

 
What A Difference A Friend Makes (brochure - PDF download)
Mental illnesses are very common, regardless of age, culture, race, sex, ethnicity, economic status, or place of residence.  People who live with mental health problems—depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and others—often experience discrimination and social isolation.  But friends can make an important difference in recovery.  With understanding and acceptance, friends can provide comfort, engagement, and emotional support.  The brochure includes information on mental health, recovery, support, myths and facts, and provides scenarios to show what helps. Refer to the website at http://whatadifference.samhsa.gov <http://whatadifference.samhsa.gov/> . The brochure is also available as noted below in Spanish.
 
Un Amigo Marca Una Gran Differencia (brochure - PDF download)