Discover what subtle influences work together to create and maintain a powerful stigma that affects those suffering and society itself.

“I’m fine” is the usual answer, typically the expected answer that rolls off the tongue without thought, a habit. The question is why. Because others don’t want to hear about problems? Because it would be viewed as complaining? Or, more importantly, because others wouldn’t understand? 
It is true, our culture as a whole does not understand psychological distress, such an essential topic. I’m Fine epitomizes how real feelings are generally difficult to reveal.
I’m Fine reveals how our culture contributes to inhibiting healing, support, and recovery—and provides answers and explanations of why dealing with emotional pain is so misunderstood, why it is so difficult to part the dark clouds, and how you can help yourself and a loved one.

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Table of Contents

I'm Fine: Mental Health Matters--Shattering the Stigma and Embracing Recovery

Preface    vii
Introduction    xi
Part I: AWARENESS    1
1 Disparity in the Legitimacy of Health Concerns    3
2 Psychological Pain    13
3 Impact of Stigma on Beliefs about Psychological Pain    23
Part II: Understanding    35
4 The Search for Reasons    37
5 Individual Experience Influences the Psyche    43
6 Societal Experience Influences the Psyche    73
7 Blame    77
8 Expectations    85
9 Judgments    89
10 Intentions    95
11 Word Usage    103
12 School Experiences    119
13 Support    135
14 History    157
15 Lack of Education    163
16 Media    171
17 Either/Or Thinking    181
18 Group Dynamics    189
19 The Sum of the Parts    197
20 Putting It All Together    201
Part III: ACTION    207
21 What Can We Do?    209
22 Therapy    217
23 A Final Word    227
References    229
About the Author    237