Fighting Mental Health Stigma: Why Lived Experience Beats Textbook Education

Does educating people about mental illness actually reduce stigma? According to Dr. Patrick Corrigan, one of the world’s leading researchers on stigma, the answer is no. In fact, teaching that depression is a “brain disease” may unintentionally make stigma worse.

So what does work? Sharing real stories of lived experience—stories that include the struggle and the recovery.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Corrigan explains why “coming out” about depression and mental illness is an act of authenticity, not weakness. He shares his own experience living with depression and bipolar disorder, and why stories of recovery are essential for changing public perception.

Framing stigma as a social justice issue, Dr. Corrigan calls on people with lived experience to lead the way—and shows how every personal story has the power to reduce shame, increase hope, and build connection.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why education about “mental illness as a brain disease” often increases stigma
• Research from the National Consortium on Stigma and Empowerment
• The power of “on the way down” and “on the way up” stories
• Dr. Corrigan’s personal journey with depression and bipolar disorder
• Why “coming out” about mental illness reduces shame and stigma
• Lessons from LGBTQ+ stigma reduction efforts
• Risks and benefits of self-disclosure in different settings
• Why stigma must be fought as a social justice issue, not just a public health problem
• Practical ways listeners can help reduce stigma

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry
 00:46 Bridget reflects on honesty after losing a friend to cancer
 01:47 Meet Dr. Patrick Corrigan, stigma researcher and psychologist
 02:26 Why education doesn’t reduce stigma—and can make it worse
 02:55 The effectiveness of face-to-face storytelling
 03:01 “On the way down” and “on the way up” stories of mental illness and recovery
 03:26 Dr. Corrigan shares his own lived experience
 05:03 Why authenticity matters more than pity
 05:17 How sharing stories reduces shame and stigma
 06:16 Lessons from LGBTQ+ communities on stigma reduction
 06:25 Risks and rewards of “coming out” about mental illness
 07:22 Why recovery stories highlight resilience and empowerment
 08:06 Why stigma is a social justice issue
 08:50 Why people with lived experience must lead the change
 09:21 Practical advice for safely sharing your story or being an ally
 10:27 Reflections on the power of openness in reducing shame
 11:52 Closing thoughts: as shame goes down, hope goes up

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