Center for Students in Recovery

Statement on Stigma

Social stigma is the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on perceivable social characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society. Social stigmas are commonly related to culture, gender, race, intelligence, and health.

At CSR we are constantly seeking out ways to reduce stigma on our campus, as well as in our personal interactions with others. The ways to fight stigma in your life are numerous, but here are a few to get you started:

• Talk Openly About Mental Health and substance use disorder concerns

• Educate Yourself And Others

• Be Conscious Of Language

• Encourage Equality Between Physical And Mental Illness

• Show Compassion For Those With Mental Illness and substance use disorders

• Choose Empowerment Over Shame

• Don’t Harbor Self-Stigma