VISN 5 MIRECC - EASE-ing Self-Stigma Resources
EASE-ing Self-Stigma Resources
Self-Stigma is the harm caused when people start to define themselves by the stereotypes they are exposed to. It interferes greatly with wellness, recovery and treatment. EASE is a 90 minute program for all staff in practical ways you can help people you serve reduce or avoid the effects of self-stigma.
What is EASE? | How can I access EASE? | Who can offer EASE? | Contact Us
What is EASE?
EASE strategies employ four principles, from which it gets its name: Education, Awareness, Shifting perspective, and Empowerment.
How can I access EASE?
You may request access to all materials you will need to deliver EASE yourself to your colleagues by visiting this page.
We are also available to deliver EASE to your staff or meeting, assuming schedules and travel arrangements can be worked out. Please Contact Us us if you would like to explore this possibility.
Who can offer EASE?
We designed EASE to be facilitated by anyone who is:
- Skilled at delivering skill-building workshops
- Knowledgeable about working in mental health settings
- Familiar with stigmatization of mental illness and ways to decrease its harmful impact
No particular professional position, experience level, or mental health discipline, required.
Contact Us
If you have Questions or Comments about EASE or related topics please contact the EASE team via:
or 410-637-1855.
Acknowledgments
We want to thank Clare Gibson, a psychologist at the Baltimore VAMC, for developing the initial version of this workshop while she was a VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation Fellow in VISN-1. And Jason Peer, a VAMHCS Local Recovery Coordinator, for his work on it as well. Principles behind this workshop come from many sources, drawn together in the “Ending Self Stigma” work of Drs. Amy Drapalski and Alicia Lucksted of the VISN-5 MIRECC.
