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Did you know there are three main types of stigma?

Social stigma

Social stigma is:

• Negative attitudes towards people who use drugs and/or experiencing mental health issues and towards their friends and family members.
• The use of negative labels in everyday conversation and in the media.
• Ignoring people who may be struggling with a substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges or ignoring their families.

Structural stigma

Structural stigma is:

• Social stigma from people who offer services to the public such as first responders, health care professionals and government representatives.
• Ignoring people affected by substance use and/or mental health challenges or not taking their requests seriously.
• Not connecting people with health or social services because of their use of substances and/or mental health challenges.
• Designing health and social services in ways that enhance stigma, such as withholding services until substance use is better managed.

Self Stigma 

Self stigma is:

When someone internalizes social and structural stigma by taking the negative messages people say about people who use drugs and apply them to themselves

What happens when someone faces stigma?

The structural stigma people face from health care and social services can create a major barrier to receiving the basic health and social services many of us take for granted. Stigma can affect a person's ability to find housing and jobs, which in turn affects their overall health and quality of life.

For example, when people who use drugs or experience mental health challenges face stigma in the health system, it reduces the quality of care they receive. It also makes the person less likely to follow through on accessing supports or services, out of fear they will face stigma again. It can also prevent them or their loved ones from seeking help in the first place.

When someone faces stigma, they can feel:

• fear
• anger
• blame
• shame
• rejection
• hopelessness
• grief
• distress
• suicidal
• isolated
• devalued
• lonely
• loss of control

If someone has experienced social or structural stigma they are less likely to reach out for help again.

What you can do to help end stigma

Ending stigma can seem daunting but there are small steps you can take that can help. Change can start by simply being aware of the way we talk and act towards people who use drugs and/or experience mental health challenges.

You can help end stigma by:

• Learning about substance use disorders and mental health challenges, and remembering that both are medical conditions, deserving of care and treatment just like any other.
• Being respectful, compassionate and caring to those who are struggling.
• Not judging someone who uses drugs, as you may not know the whole story of their journey.
• Being open minded and not letting opinions or assumptions colour the way we think of someone
• Changing the way we talk about drug use and mental health, and choosing our words carefully

How we talk about drug use and mental health matters

As Northerners, we need to talk openly, respectfully and compassionately. We can also:

• Speak to the person first, before we talk about substance use or mental health concerns.
• Avoid using slang and derogatory language such as "addict", “crazy” and "junkie."
• Use language that expresses care and concern, rather than judgement.
• Use language that acknowledges and promotes the fact that recovery is possible
• Speak up when we hear or witness someone being treated, or spoken to or about, in a disrespectful manner.

If you or anyone you know are struggling with substance use, mental health or if you just need to talk, call 811. 811 offers support to NWT residents, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is 100% free and confidential. 

For more information on resources and supports available to NWT residents please visit www.gov.nt.ca/wellness.