Mental Health Stigma

Mental Health Stigma

What is mental health stigma?

It is a set of unfair beliefs that society has for a group of people who have mental health disorders.

What causes stigma?

Stigma is often driven by fear and a lack of knowledge of a subject. One of the main causes of mental health stigma is due to how mental illness is portrayed on mass media. With shows and movies making those with mental illness look dangerous, unpredictable, and unreliable the general public has a negative opinion about individuals with mental health issues.

Why is this a problem?

The stigma behind mental health often stops individuals from getting the medical help they may need when it comes to their mental health. They fear losing their job, being treated differently, and losing their relationships with others.

What can we do to stop mental health stigma?

- Learn more about mental health disorders and share what you learn with others

- Talk openly about your own mental health struggles

- Be compassionate when others share their struggles with you

- Fight for equality

Sources:

Voices of Youth-Image

Stigma and Discrimination

Overcoming the Stigma Behind Mental Illness