For Nyanya assignment only

Introducing the

Coming Out Proud program

(COPp)

A program meant to reduce the

stigma of mental illness

Blythe A. Buchholz, Illinois Institute of Technology

Keith Mahar, Woden Community Service

Ingrid Ozols, Mental Health at Work

Patrick W. Corrigan, Illinois Institute of Technology

What is the Coming Out Proud program?

• A 3 session group program run by pairs of trained leaders with lived experience of mental illness.

• The Coming Out Proud program (COPp) includes:

▫ a user-friendly manual

▫ step-by-step workbook

▫ fidelity measure

▫ leader training program

• COPp lessons include:

▫ (1) Considering the pros and cons of disclosing

▫ (2) Different ways to disclose

▫ (3) Telling your story

Why is a program like this important?

• Self-stigma has harmful effects on people with mental illness. ▫ It acts as a barrier to achievement of life goals.

▫ It causes low self-esteem: “I’m not good enough.”

▫ It causes diminished self-efficacy: “I’m not able.”

▫ It can lead to the why try effect: “Why try to get a job, I’m not worthy.”

• Research shows disclosing one’s experience may be a protective factor against self-stigma’s adverse effects.

• People who have disclosed aspects of their experience

frequently report enhanced personal empowerment, self-esteem, and confidence in the pursuit of life goals.

Considering the Pros and Cons of Disclosing

Some pros and cons

you might consider

when deciding

whether to disclose to

others.

There are different ways to disclose

People disclose to different people in different ways. There are a variety of ways to consider.

This program helps facilitate those decisions.

How to tell your story

If you decide you would like to share your experiences, how

do you decide what to tell?

COPp provides guidelines for how to set up your story about your experiences with

mental illness.

Notice the quality of your experience. Did you feel more empowered?

Was is therapeutic to tell your story? Were you satisfied with the exchange?

Interested in learning more about

the Coming Out Proud program?

• Please visit our website at www.NCSE1.org

• Please email us at: [email protected]

• We would like to hear from you!

References

Corrigan, P. W., Larson, J. E., & Rüsch, N. (2009). Self- stigma and the “why try” effect: impact on life goals and evidence-based practices. World Psychiatry, 8, 75-78.

Corrigan, P.W., & Lundin, R. (2012). Coming Out Proud program manual. (83 pages). Chicago: NCSE.