EPA-0784 – Overcoming Stigma in Mood Disorders: A New Psychoeducational and Behviour Modification Course

Abstract

Purpose:

Mood disorders are very common and associated with significant disability. Stigma because of mental illness is also ubiquitous in the society.

Methods:

We have created a new course for people with mood disorders to help them learn more and be able to practice ways to overcome stigma in their lives and themselves. The course is a closed group with five to eight participants, co-led by a mental health professional and a person with lived experience. The course consists of 7 two hour sessions and focus on the following topics: Introduction and orientation; Depression, Anxiety and Recovery; Self-Stigma; Social Stigma – Family, Friends and Medical settings; Stigma in Education, Housing and the Workplace; Disclosure; and Conclusion. There is a homework assigned between sessions

Results:

A pilot running of the course has been completed. It was used for a fine-tuning of the course and finalizing the course content. Feedback was encouraged and was used for these purposes

Conclusions:

The course: ‘Overcoming Stigma in Mood and Anxiety Disorders’ may have a significant role in helping people with those disorders to achieve recovery