Stigma

What is stigma?

There is a lot of stigma around mental health and mental health diagnoses. Just because most people have heard of mental health issues doesn’t mean they fully understand. There are many misconceptions and negative images of people with mental health difficulties or diagnosis.

In addition to societal stigma, people can experience self-stigma due to learnt or internalised beliefs about mental health. This form of stigma can be detrimental and lead to people having negative self-concepts which may undermine their recovery.

Around nine out of ten people with mental health issues say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on them. Research shows that people with mental health issues can struggle with areas due to stigma and discrimination, such as:

• Employment.
• Relationships.
• Housing.
• Being part of the community.

The media has a role in shaping society’s view of mental health. The media often presents mental health in a negative way. For example the might be:

• Sensationalised.
• Give false messages.

Stigma and discrimination can make a person’s difficulties worse. They can make some people less likely to seek help and support.

Things are slowly improving. A 2013 report by ‘Time to Change’ showed that general attitudes to mental health are becoming more positive over time.

The Equality Act 2010 states that it is illegal to discriminate directly or indirectly against people with mental health problems. This is in public services and functions, access to premises, work, education, associations and transport.

‘Time to Change’ state that beliefs about mental health are challenged by people with personal experiences. This means conversations about mental health issues can be really important.