Stigma + Discrimination

Editor's Message

Kamal Arora, PhD

Reprinted from the "Systemic Racism" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (3), p. 4

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to not only serve as Visions’ new Editor, but to have the first issue under my leadership focus on systemic racism, a topic dear to my heart.

“It’s No Surprise” and I’m Tired of Saying That

Health disparities and racial inequalities are no surprise to the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) community. But simply acknowledging those facts isn’t enough. We can’t have justice without wellness, and the pandemic demonstrates once again that people with power and privilege get to be well while those who are excluded do not.

Walking a Liberated Path Towards Anti-Racism

Trixie experienced a racist, misogynistic attack in May and learned that many other Asian Canadians have also experienced racist aggression as a result of the pandemic. Breaking the silence and challenging the “model minority” myth meant speaking out against injustice and white supremacy. Trixie explains how embracing her Taiwanese heritage and simply being is an act of resistance and healing.

Editor's Message

It was hard to find contributors for this issue of Visions. Not because there is a shortage of stories or experiences, but because young people who have been marginalized don’t have many reasons to trust another mental health and substance use organization. We are grateful for the young people who gave us a chance, and we’re inspired by the leadership, resilience, and activism from the youth in this issue.

Addiction, Wellness and Language

Words are powerful: they can frame how we think and talk about the kinds of changes people may make related to substance use. Consider how often people use “relapse” as the use of any substances at all or “falling off the wagon” implied as failure. Gaëlle sheds a light on these and other common biases that shape how we support or hinder people’s personal agency.

Blips and Dips in the Recovery Journey

PDF | EPUB | Vol. 15, No. 2 (2019)

Recovery: Stigma and Inclusion

PDF | Vol. 13, No. 1 (2017)

The Language We Use to Talk About Mental Health and Substance Use

Words matter. They impact the assumptions we make about others, the way we understand someone else’s experiences, and the value we place on others.