Take Action Against Stigma
Everyone living with a mental illness deserves to be treated fairly.
We must change perceptions of mental illness so people don't live in fear of judgement and feel comfortable to seek help.
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3 in 5 people living with a mental illness say the fear of how others perceive them has stopped them seeking support.
The stigma surrounding mental illness can have a devastating impact on people's lives.
Stigma and discrimination can come from work, school, health professionals, and even from friends or family. And it can hold people back from doing things which many take for granted - from building relationships, to taking part in hobbies, and even leaving the house.
Ultimately, the fear of judgement can even prevent people from seeking the support and treatment they need, and make them feel worse.
This needs to change.
Public awareness of mental health has come a long way. Now that must extend to mental illness too. Improving understanding of mental illness is vital to creating a kinder, fairer society, where everyone can live their lives without the fear of judgement.
Together we can end the stigma surrounding mental illness and help change lives.
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FAQs
What are stigma and discrimination?
Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you unfairly because of that mental illness. These experiences can make mental health challenges worse and could stop you from seeking help.
Where does stigma come from?
Stigma can be caused by harmful misconceptions about mental illness. Like the idea that living with a mental illness is a weakness, or a choice, that it has to make you violent or irrational, or means you can’t necessarily live a fulfilled life. Even throwaway comments and ‘jokes’ can feel very personal and hurtful to those affected by mental illness. Challenging these misconceptions will help us oppose stigma and discrimination.
What can I do if I'm concerned about my own or someone else's mental health?
From time to time, we can all feel more stressed, angry or sad than usual. But if you have a friend or relative who experiences these changes consistently over a long period of time, it could be a sign they are developing mental illness.
We’re all unique and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ way to support someone living with a mental illness. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Listen with kindness and compassion. Try not to interrupt.
- Ask them how you can help and support them.
- Research and understand the diagnosis and how it might affect someone.
- Take in how they are feeling without judgement or prejudice.
- A natural first step might be to say seeing their doctor is a good idea. The person might not want to, but the earlier they get help and treatment, the quicker they will start to recover.
