For the 2016 Annual OCD Conference

1. How to Reduce Stigma and Support
Making and Supporting Daily
Disclosure Decisions
Evidence from Research and Experience
Sue McKenzie
Michelle Villani
Janet Ruth Young
Scott Cypers

2. Explore stigma
Frame stigma change
Learn from lived experience
GOALS
2
Sue McKenzie

3. STIGMA
Definition:
Stereotype (ideas) > Prejudice (beliefs) > Discrimination
(actions)
In a relationship of power - Oppression
Types:
 Internalized Shame
 Public
 Structural
Language barriers

4. Negative perceptions and stereotypes from the public
stigmas become internalized by the individual
suffering from OCD
 devalue ourselves
 conceal our conditions
 withdraw from others to reduce labeling
 reduced self-esteem, reduced self-efficacy
Michelle Villani

5. Avoidance and apathy
 self esteem
So, why try?
I am not good
Internalized Shame/Self Stigma
Public Stigma
 sense of efficacy
I am not able

6. Three stage model
(1) person afflicted with OCD experiences stereotype
agreement (“I agree with the public that OCD is the
person’s fault”)
(2) person engages in “self-concurrence” (It is MY fault
that I have OCD)
(3) person experiences “self-esteem decrement” (I am less
valuable because I have OCD”)
 Not all of us with OCD develop self-stigmas: It
depends on whether or not we agree with public
stigmas or whether or not we label themselves

7.  Men may view counseling as “more threatening” –
contradicts traditional male gender roles that
emphasize being able to “handle problems on one’s
own”
 Beliefs that men should be independent, controlled,
and self-sufficient; results in stronger self-stigmas for
leads to more concerns with seeking counseling
 Fear of being perceived as “weak” or “unable to handle
emotions”

8.  Collectivistic cultures also tend to be less likely to seek
counseling for an emotional problem- more stigma on
mental illness than other cultures
 Self viewed as “interdependent and flexible”; group
goals being the primary concern and personal goals and
needs being secondary
 Believe that should not “burden others with private
matters” -less likely to raise personal concerns with
others.

9.  “Normalize” OCD – OCD is more common than
you think…many who are afflicted have not come
forth due to stigma!
 Realize the condition is not your fault – OCD is
not your fault and is not reversible- this will
decrease feelings of shame and guilt
 Reframe your thoughts- (e.g.“It takes courage to
face my OCD”) to replace statement that
perceives seeking therapy as a weakness such as
(“I am weak because I can’t handle this on my
own”)

10. Motivated engagement
 self esteem
I care for myself & others
I am good
Reversing Self and Public Stigma
Public Stigma
 sense of efficacy
I am able
Inclusion and Self-
Directed Support

11. Protest
Education
Contact
11
Stigma Change Processes
Sue McKenzie

12. 12
Protest
o“Shame on you for thinking that way”
o Be aware of unintended consequences of well
intended actions
o The rebound effect

13. Schomerus, Schwann, Holzinger, Corrigan, Grabe, Carta, & Angermeyer, 2011
Education
DOES STIGMA DECREASE
AS KNOWLEDGE INCREASES?
Results from a meta-analysis study:
 Knowledge: Causes of Mental Illness
 Stigma: Acceptance

14. 14
Contact
“I’d like you to meet Simone, Mike,
Linda, Nneka, Sumi, Liz, Jack,
Charles, Denise, Tim, and Dori”

15. Yet, there exists a curtain of
ignorance about resilience
and recovery.
Our opportunity to
engage
emotions to support
inclusion and self-directed
support.

16. Speak up!
Honest, Open, Proud
“strategic disclosure”

17. 1. The Story You Have Been Telling Yourself
2. Pros and Cons of Disclosure - reasons
3. Different choices when faced with disclosure
4. Choosing to whom might you disclose
5. Responding to unexpected reactions
6. Crafting your story (practice)
7. SOLIDARITY and peer support

18. 5 one-hour lessons to work within school day or
community setting (for 8th-college)
Mental health challenges vs mental illness
Interactive experiences
Led by seasoned facilitator and young adult with
lived experience

19. Disclosure Choices
• Social avoidance
• Secret
• Selective disclosure
• Open disclosure
• Broadcast to help others

21.  Painting the Picture
 Advocacy Formula
 Recruitment to Your
OCD Team

22.  I (my child or teen) am (is) dealing with ___________
 How This Shows Up: ___________________________
 How You Can Help Me (or my child/teen): __________

23. Discussion