What is the 21-Day Stigma Challenge?
Stigma reduces the opportunities available to individuals experiencing mental illness and substance use disorder. They face discrimination in housing, employment and other life areas. They often experience biased interactions with healthcare and other providers. They can feel isolated, as people sometimes avoid being friends with them or welcoming them as neighbors, coworkers, or new family members.
People with mental illness and substance use disorders can internalize these experiences, become embarrassed, and experience lowered self-esteem. They begin to think “why try”: “why should I try treatment or try to live and work independently if I am not valued?” A local survey of over 1000 residents confirmed this in 2022, as 93% of respondents said that stigma is an obstacle to seeking treatment in Northwest Michigan.
Ultimately, stigma impacts a person’s health and wellbeing. It can reduce their quality of life and worsen their mental health and substance use challenges.
We believe individuals experiencing mental illness or substance use disorders are valued members of our communities and deserve better. This is why we created the 21 Day Challenge. By promoting awareness and triggering the actions needed, we aim to create fair, supportive and inclusive spaces in our workplaces, health care settings, schools, and community spaces. And, studies show that doing something for 21 days can create a habit.
We believe that through an intentional collective effort we can create a habit of inclusion and end stigma.
