Stigma and taboo
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Stigma and taboo
idea
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
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Stories and literature
idea
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
![Back view of a man holding a child at an outdoor evening gathering with string lights in the background.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/e32d389b-ba16-49c7-a996-c62b133466f1/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
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
![Shadows of people on a sunny day cast on a stone wall, with one person holding a mobile phone while walking past.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/43581d6d-0355-4ec6-a434-dacba4e12020/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
History of ideas
idea
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
![Abstract image with textured orange and purple hues, featuring a dark silhouette of a person in the centre on an ageing, rough paper background.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/49077518-992e-4252-ae6f-95aab6625343/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Personality disorders
idea
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
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Neurodiversity
idea
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](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/a7899521-5b00-4897-9f78-37924b1bb16f/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
The body and physical health
idea
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