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THERAPEIAEUDAIMONIAPOIESIS

Stigma and taboo

Disorders and difficultiesTherapies and practical advicePerspectives and controversies
Evaluating therapiesHistory and philosophy of mental healthHistory of psychology and psychiatryLaw and mental healthMental health across culturesMind-body interactionsSocioeconomics of mental healthStigma and tabooTherapeutic relationships
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Black and white photo of a person with a backpack standing in front of a textured glass surface, appearing to look through it.

Stigma and taboo

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Let’s avoid talk of ‘chemical imbalance’: it’s people in distress

The ‘chemical imbalance’ trope is appealing but dehumanising, and has heightened stigma towards people with mental illness

by Joseph E Davis

Shadows of people on a sunny day cast on a stone wall, with one person holding a mobile phone while walking past.

History of ideas

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Worried you’re not normal? Don’t be – there’s no such thing

The history of ‘normal’ tells a tale of prejudice and bad maths. The most usual thing about people is how much we differ

by Sarah Chaney

Back view of a man holding a child at an outdoor evening gathering with string lights in the background.

Stigma and taboo

guide

How to talk about your mental illness

Careful disclosure can be highly rewarding. Use tips from the Honest, Open, Proud programme to share your story

by Carla Kundert & Patrick W Corrigan

Sepia photograph of a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a bow tie and a long coat, looking at the camera.

Stories and literature

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There is nothing so deep as the gleaming surface of the aphorism

The aphorism has been a way to express strong feelings without placing emotional demands on the listener

by Noreen Masud

Abstract image with textured orange and purple hues, featuring a dark silhouette of a person in the centre on an ageing, rough paper background.

Personality disorders

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People with BPD need compassion yet even clinicians stigmatise them

Both clinicians and laypeople misunderstand and stigmatise borderline personality disorder. Those who have it deserve better

by Sara Rose Masland & Hannah E A Peeples

Photo of a child and adult blowing dandelion seeds in a green outdoor setting, both looking joyful and focused.

Neurodiversity

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Autistic people shouldn’t have to use ‘camouflage’ to fit in

If society were more tolerant and understanding of autistic people, they could ditch their camouflage and be themselves

by Francesca Happé

Black and white photo of a person covering their bare chest with their hand, following a mastectomy without reconstructive surgery

The body and physical health

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I chose to go flat after breast cancer surgery. I have no regrets

Breast reconstruction following surgery to remove cancer owes more to the cosmetic industry than to medical science

by Sarah Cretch