Learn about Mental Health Stigma.

Stigma has been described as a sign of disgrace which distinguishes a person from others.

In the context of mental health, it usually involves using negative labels to identify people as different.

Stigma against those with mental health difficulties takes many forms, from unkind words and social exclusion to higher insurance premiums.

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This results in the person feeling devalued and may lead them to isolate themselves and conceal their mental health difficulty.

Mental health stigma thrives on lack of knowledge and understanding, negative attitudes and hostile or discriminatory behaviours.

About Stigma and Mental Health
It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience mental health difficulty, meaning we may all be affected differently.
For some people, the stigma and discrimination associated with a significant mental health problem are almost as challenging to manage as the experience of being unwell.

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Stigma can be a barrier to seeking support as people fear being labelled mentally ill. Feeling labelled and excluded can lead to feelings of isolation and make the experience of mental health difficulties much worse. Psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression are perceived as lifelong labels that mark the person as different from the rest of society.

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Research conducted in 2007, before See Change was established, showed that 6 in 10 people would not want anyone to know if they had a mental health difficulty.

Ten years on, 4 in 10 people said they would conceal mental health difficulties from family, friends or colleagues, according to research SeaChange commissioned in 2017.

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What is the Impact of Stigma?

The discrimination experienced by people because of their mental health problems can act as a barrier to seeking help, speaking out and recovery.

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Public Stigma: Public stigma involves stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

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Stereotyping: e.g., People with mental health difficulties are dangerous
Stereotyping can make dismissing people with mental health conditions easier, leading to social distancing, exclusion, and isolation.

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Prejudice: e.g., people with mental health issues are dangerous, and I am afraid of them.
Prejudice is when people form opinions without being fully aware of the facts. People with self-experience of mental health conditions frequently encounter discrimination daily, negatively impacting them.

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Discrimination: e.g., I do not want to work with someone with a mental health issue/condition.
Discrimination occurs when someone is treated less positively or appropriately than others due to their mental health condition.

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Self-Stigma: For many people, the fear of misunderstanding and the prejudice they experience leads them to develop self-stigma. This is where the person starts to believe what is said about them is true.
Self-stigma can lead people to believe myths such as they will not recover or cannot hold down a job.

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How can I help end the stigma associated with mental health difficulties?

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Help spread the word and wear a green ribbon.

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Educate yourself on mental health difficulties and the recovery process. Learn more 

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Talk Openly About Mental Health. Download a talking card to help you get started.

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Be Conscious of Language and learn to make simple changes. Learn more about language.

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Encourage Equality Between Physical and Mental Illness. Learn about the relationship between physical physical & mental health. 

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Show Compassion for Those with Mental Illness. Learn to ask, listen, and offer support.

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Choose Empowerment Over Shame. Empower yourself with resources and services information.

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Let The Media Know When They’re Stigmatizing. Learn more 

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Don’t Harbor Self-Stigma. Learn more about awareness and attitudes.