Some of the effects of stigma include: feelings of shame, hopelessness and isolation. reluctance to ask for help or to get treatment. lack of understanding by family, friends or others.
What are examples of stigma?
Examples of how stigma is perpetuated include:
- Media depictions where the villain is often a character with a mental illness.
- Harmful stereotypes of people with mental illness.
- Treating mental health issues as if they are something people can overcome if they just "try harder" or "snap out of it"
What does stigma do to a person?
Stigma can pervade the lives of people with mental health problems in many different ways. According to Corrigan (2004), it “diminishes self-esteem and robs people of social opportunities”. This can include being denied opportunities such as employment or accommodation because of their illness.
