Mental health stigma refers to negative beliefs people may hold about those with mental illness, which can lead to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination . Public awareness and literacy have increased substantially over the years, yet some entrenched stigmas persist today.
What Is Mental Health Stigma? (Plain Language Explanation)
Mental Health Stigma refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Mental Health Stigma
- Symptoms: The specific ways mental health stigma shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen mental health stigma
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When mental health stigma occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Mental Health Stigma
- Mental Health Stigma is far more common than most people realize
- Mental Health Stigma is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with mental health stigma see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about mental health stigma is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing mental health stigma, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.