How Media Perpetuates Stigmas

Reducing Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in the United States

Thesis Statement: The reduction of stigma surrounding mental health in the United States can be achieved through increased public education, destigmatization campaigns, and reform of the healthcare system to provide better access to mental health services.

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Mental Health and Stigma

B. Importance of Reducing Stigma

C. Purpose of the Study

II. Increased Education

A. Importance of Education in Reducing Stigma (Vidourek & Burbage, 2019)

B. Providing Accurate Information about Mental Illness

C. Educating the Public on the Benefits of Seeking Mental Health Treatment

III. Destigmatization Campaigns

A. The Role of Mass Media in Destigmatization

B. The Impact of Personal Stories and Testimonies

C. The Benefits of Community-Based Programs (Roscoe, 2021)

IV. Reform of the Healthcare System

A. The Current State of Mental Health Services in the US (Livingston, 2020)

B. The Need for Reform to Improve Access to Mental Health Services

C. The Potential for Insurance Reform to Reduce Stigma

V. Conclusion

A. Summary of Key Points

B. Relevance of the Study

C. Future Recommendations for Reducing Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in the United States.