Imagine that you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health issue and, as an added stressor that they are also dealing with stigma. Stigma presents a serious obstacle to people who are facing mental health injuries. Stigma affects people when they are ill, when they seek treatment and are recuperating.

What is stigma?

Stigma is considered a mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval from others as well as directed towards oneself. Stigma is a form of discrimination that many people with mental health issues struggle with. Self-stigma occurs when an individual internalizes negative attitudes about their mental health resulting in acceptance of poor treatment by others, negative coping strategies, secrecy and withdrawal.

Impact of Stigma

People struggling with a mental health issues often suffer because of stigma and consequently they may feel rejected by family, friends, colleagues, and the community as a whole.

Stigma has a negative impact on people with mental health issues in the following ways: