Healthcare Marketing Executive Melissa Fors Shackelford provides insights on the importance of language, education, and normalization through open conversation.

5 Strategies to Reduce Stigma

1. Use person-centered language. People are not their conditions. Refer to “a person with addiction” rather than an “addict.” Language matters in reducing stigma.
2. Share personal stories and testimonials. High-profile figures speaking openly about mental health struggles can greatly reduce stigma.
3. Educate healthcare professionals on mental health conditions as diseases, not moral failings. This can change their approach to screening and treating patients.
4. Meet people where they are comfortable engaging. Make mental healthcare easily accessible through telehealth and digital solutions to
5. Ask questions and have open conversations. Simply asking about mental health or addiction issues helps normalize these topics and break down stigma over time.