Fighting Mental Health Stigma: Why Sharing Stories Beats Education

Is education enough to fight the stigma of depression and mental illness? Dr. Patrick Corrigan, a leading researcher on stigma, says no. In fact, research shows that teaching people mental illness is a “brain disease” can actually make stigma worse.

What does work? Real, face-to-face stories of people living with depression and mental health conditions—stories that include both the struggle and the recovery.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Corrigan shares why storytelling is the most effective tool we have for dismantling shame, building empathy, and giving people hope. He also opens up about his own mental health struggles, explaining why “coming out” about depression and bipolar disorder isn’t about pity, but authenticity.

This conversation reframes mental illness stigma as a social justice issue—and reminds us that reducing stigma starts with those who live it, not just professionals and allies.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why education alone fails to reduce stigma about depression
• Research on stigma and mental health from the National Consortium on Stigma and Empowerment
• How real, lived experience stories (downward and upward) change public perception
• Dr. Corrigan’s personal story: depression, bipolar disorder, and recovery
• The parallels between mental health stigma and LGBTQ+ stigma reduction
• Why “coming out” about mental health is risky but powerful
• Framing stigma as a social justice issue led by people with lived experience
• Practical ways to safely share your story and reduce stigma

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction from Bridget and Terry
 00:46 Why honesty and openness about struggles matter
 01:47 Meet Dr. Patrick Corrigan, leading stigma researcher
 02:26 Why education doesn’t reduce stigma—and can make it worse
 02:55 Why face-to-face storytelling is more effective
 03:01 The power of “on the way down” and “on the way up” stories
 03:26 Dr. Corrigan shares his own mental health journey
 05:03 Why authenticity matters more than pity
 05:17 How storytelling reduces personal shame and public stigma
 06:16 Lessons from LGBTQ+ communities and stigma reduction
 06:25 The risks and rewards of “coming out” with mental illness
 07:22 Why recovery stories highlight resilience and empowerment
 08:06 Why stigma must be treated as a social justice issue
 08:50 How people with lived experience can lead change
 09:21 Steps listeners can take to reduce stigma safely
 10:27 Reflections from Bridget and Terry on speaking openly
 11:52 Closing thoughts: reducing shame, building hope

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