Beyond the Label
Last Updated on July 30, 2026 by Brenda
Four Types of Stigma
Public Stigma
Public stigma can be described as the negative attitudes and beliefs held by the general public towards people with mental health problems.
Structural Stigma
When the rules, policies, and practices of organizations restrict the rights of and opportunities for people with mental health problems.
Stigma by Association
Stigma by association can be experienced by someone connected to people with mental health problems.
Self-Stigma
Self-stigma happens when people who experience mental health problems internalize public stigma and believe these negative attitudes apply to them. This can result in people limiting themselves and it can slow down recovery.
Have you seen examples of any of these types of stigma in your community?
Play this Game to learn more about Stigma and how we can help someone seek help. Escaping Addiction
End Stigma One Step At A Time!
Start by Talking About Mental Health and Substance Use Issues with everyone as normal conversation topics.
What are your perceptions about why people use substances?
Did you know that your perceptions lead to personal bias? Many of us are not aware of our biases. Recognizing them is an important step in changing stigma.
Bias leads to Prejudice. Prejudice is often passed down from generation to generation.
Prejudice forms Stigma.
Stigma is a mark of disgrace associated with a circumstance, quality or person. Stigma is often formed because of community norms. Changing the norms can reduce stigma.
Quay County Perception in 2025!
Let’s Work Together to Change these Perceptions!
43% Agreed and 35% Disagreed
that most people would willingly accept someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder as a close friend.
37% Agreed and 39% Disagreed
that most people in the county would willingly date someone who has been treated for an opioid use disorder.
22% Agreed and 63% Disagreed
that most people in the county believe that someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder is just as trustworthy as the average citizen.
61% Agreed and 15% Disagreed
that most people in the County think less of a person who has been in treatment for opioid use disorder.
3% Agreed and 74% Disagreed
that most people in the community would accept someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder as a teacher of young children in public school.
13% Agreed and 70% Disagreed
that most people in the County would hire someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder to take care of their children.
57% Agreed and 30% Disagreed
that most employers in the County will hire someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder if they are qualified for the job.
63% Agreed and 9% Disagreed
that most employers in the County will pass over the application of someone who has been treated for opioid use disorder in favor of another applicant.
FACT
People who have been treated for opioid use disorder are strong individuals who have worked hard to achieve and maintain recovery. We can support them by helping them access care, listening to and respecting their stories, and providing employment opportunities so they can care for themselves and their families. Many employers in Quay County do this every day, helping strengthen both families and our community.
Want to Learn more? Take the free computer course at your own pace. Unpacking Stigma and Shame
Watch some short videos of how people are reducing stigma in their jobs and lives. Stigma Unraveled
Participate in a Community Conversation on Mental Health
The Quay County Health Council will be offering these conversations in Quay, DeBaca, and Harding Counties. If you have a group of 5 or more people who would like to participate, give us a call (575-815-4575) to arrange a date and time. Conversations are 3 hours and we will provide a meal and door prize! Participants will receive a new perspective on why people begin using substances and why people do not seek help when they recognize that they need help.
Take Aways from Conversations
An online evaluation by the University of Rochester provided the following takeaways from this conversation. (Due to low number of people completing the evaluation survey from Quay County, actual data was not shared by the University to maintain integrity):
- Help is available but we need to make information more available.
- We need better resources also have to change our mindset
- Enthusiastic supporters for our community
- Examine your biases. Addicts don’t need you to be a genius to help, they need you to be genuine.
- Talking is really important. It is important for the success of our community to communicate and share information