People with a mental illness can “pull themselves out of it.” Is stigma one of the biggest problems for people with mental illness? • One of the biggest obstacles for people recovering from mental illness is confronting the negative attitudes of other people. Positive, hopeful, and supportive attitudes of family, friends, service providers, employers, and other members of the community toward people with mental illness are critical to ensuring the quality of their life while recovering. What can we do to fight the stigma? • Education – This is the best way to fight the stigma of mental illness. It involves correcting misconceptions with information that is factual and based on body of scientific knowledge. • Promoting awareness - Encouraging participation and active engagement from the faith communities in efforts such as World Mental Health Day and Suicide Prevention Day. • Promoting a culture of positive mental health - Individuals with mental health problems are often stigmatized. This can be lessened by providing an opportunity where people openly socialize and engage in recreational activities. Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations • A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness and is not “cured” by sheer will, personal strength, or a simple change of mindset. 10