#breakthestigma

It can’t be that bad.
Snap out of it!
Don’t get too close, you might get infected. I hear it’s contagious.
Just calm down!
She is such a drama queen. That’s her way of seeking attention.
Why ask for his opinion? He doesn’t even know what he wants.
It’s not that hard to quit alcohol. You’re just not determined enough.
Let’s not invite him. He’s too weird.
She’s totally insane! I saw her talking to herself!
Stop being such a cry baby. It not even that serious.
Achana na yeye. Ni chizi.
They deserve to be institutionalized. Such a burden to us.
We can’t have him as an employee, he’ll scare customers away.
Don’t look at her in the eye, she is very violent even without provocation.
You are always sad, have you tried being happy? Just smile more!
Don’t bother with him, he hates people.
No need talking with her, she never makes sense.
Why bother getting treatment?? That’s how you will be all your life. And it’s a waste of money!
She is doomed. There is no treatment.
She must be cursed. Or her relatives angered the ancestors.
His illness must be a punishment for something someone in his family did.
Hizo ni shetani amerushiwa. Ama ni mtu alimuangalia na macho mbaya.
She must have inherited it from a family member.
It’s his fault he’s like that. He was always using drugs.
God is so good to me because I’m not sick like her.
You are so weak. If it was me, I would have overcome it because I’m so strong.
What happened to you wasn’t that bad! I’ve been through worse and I’m okay.
If you stop thinking about it, it will stop bothering you and go away.
Just accept it and move on.
Stop exaggerating!!!!
Just be thankful, someone has gone through worse.
According to WHO, 1 out of 4 people is going to deal with a mental health condition in their lifetime. It could be you or me. Who knows?
All the statements above are what perpetuate stigma. They make someone feel worse, avoid treatment, feel hopeless, isolate, self-blame, choose to die by suicide and generally worsen their mental health. Even when said with good intentions, these statements are not only insensitive, insulting but also false.
Be Kind!
Speak Life!
By Kness