FIGHT THE STIGMA:

Depression and Using Antidepressants

Alinta Kalns, Kayleigh Vanderkruk, Jess Wahba and Felicity Waterfield

What is stigma? Why does stigma exist?

People with depression often experience stigma with(1): People or a person's own stigma towards depression is related
The condition itself to a lack of or error in knowledge (ignorance or
Their age or gender
misinformation; judgment and attitudes based on upbringing
Family and friends reactions
Their own culture or beliefs or personal beliefs as well as discrimatory behaviour (1).
Negative connotations
Stigma can be worse than the condition itself and may isolate
the individual causing their social and emotional well-being to
How are stigmas portrayed?
become progressively worse(1). "Depressed people are weak or attention-seeking (1)"
This poster will demonstrate why stigma occurs, examples of
"They are dangerous or could go off (1)"
stigma, how to reduce stigma and where to find support(1).
"People can control how they feel and can turn it off (1)"
"Its caused from lack of exercise/being lazy or not eating healthy.
(1)"
Therefore, people sometimes feel they have to isolate themselves
because of guilt, shame, embarrassment or being concerned about
how others will react/treat them differently(3). Seeking professional
medical help such as antidepressants or a therapist also has its own
"You can trust personal stigmas i.e. believing their depression isnt serious enough to
me! I'm here to treat, getting permission from family to go on medication and fear
help" with confronting it and making their depression feel real(3).

Figure 1: Common Misconceptions of Depression Where to find support?

How to reduce stigma? If you suffer discrimination or stigma towards your mental health, please contact:
GP JCU Health Phone 4781 4495, Attend Level 1 Clinical Practice
Stigma can have a significant impact on peoples lives and Building, JCU (next to IGA)
relationships personally and professionally(2). JCU Counselling Phone 4781 4711, Attend Level 1 Library, Email
studentwellbeing@jcu.edu.au
It is therefore important to reduce stigma through education with
Headspace Phone 4799 1799 , Attend 14/2 Sporting Drive, Thuringowa
the use of information resources that challenge or correct Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
inaccurate stereotypes and instead present factual information Acute Care Team - 1300 64 22 55
Additionally, it's important to seek aid from mental health support Lifeline 13 11 14

groups or individuals that have had experience with depression (2).

References:
1. Beyondblue. (2015). Information Paper: Stigma and discrimination associated with depression and anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/docs/default-source/policy-submissions
/stigma-and-discrimination-associated-with-depression-and-anxiety.pdf?sfvrsn=0
2. Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Fundao do ABC, Avenida Lauro Gomes 2000, V. Sacadura Cabral, A. Santo. (2011). Perceptions of and attitudes toward antidepressants: stigma
attached to their use - a review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22048139
3. Nutt, D. Goodwin, G. Bhugra, D. Fazel, S. Lawrie, S. (2014). Attacks on antidepressants: signs of deep-seated stigma? Retrieved from http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article
/PIIS2215-0366(14)70232-9/fulltext?_eventId=login