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. Some people have misconceptions or have a negative view of people who have struggled with their mental health, and this may be especially true if a person has been given a diagnosis.
As well as societal stigma people can experience self-stigma. This is due to negative beliefs about mental health and the self that have been learned and internalised. 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 their lives. Research shows that people with mental health issues can struggle with areas such as employment, relationships, housing and inclusion in mainstream community activities, and that this is largely due to stigma and discrimination.
The media has a role in shaping society’s view of mental health. It often does so in a negative way. Stories about people experiencing mental health difficulties are often sensationalised and reported in a way that gives false messages.
Stigma and discrimination can make a person’s difficulties worse and can make some people less likely to seek help and support.
Things are slowly improving though, and 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 in public services and functions, access to premises, work, education, associations and transport.
According to ‘Time to Change’, people’s beliefs about mental health can be challenged by contact with other people with lived experience of difficulties, so conversations about mental health issues can be really important.