Stigma and Discrimination against People with Mental Health Problems
One of the primary impediments to the full social inclusion of people with mental health problems is the stigma that is often attached to mental illness. MSN Encarta Online Dictionary defines stigma as "the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable" (http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/dictionaryhome.aspx). Mental health problems, throughout much of history and across many cultures, have been viewed as socially unacceptable. Today, those who experience mental health problems endure the shame and disgrace placed on them by modern society.
Stigma against any social group often leads to discrimination and social exclusion. Stigma against mental illness and people with mental health problems limits access to community living for an entire group. Individuals with a known mental health problem may be directly discriminated against in applying for work, searching for an apartment, furthering their education, and countless other common life situations. Stigma and discrimination can also affect those who have not disclosed their mental health status. For example, schools and organizations that do not provide accommodations place people with mental health problems at a disadvantage. Stigmatizing words that trivialize mental illness and de-humanize people with mental health problems are still commonly heard throughout the English-speaking world. Even the consideration of whether or not to disclose a mental health problem can lead to increased stress which may have further negative effects on an individual's mental health, thereby adding to the difficulty of social integration.
One of the most common ways in which stereotypes and misinformation are disseminated - whether consciously or not - is through the media and entertainment industries. Because these establishments have the ability to share messages with a large number of people, they also have the power to spread either accurate information or erroneous messages to the general public. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health, stereotypes and misinformation have historically been the most circulated. Degrading or inaccurate word choices (such as use of the word "loony" to describe a person with unexpected behaviors or the word "schizophrenic" to mean a split personality) are often used in print and broadcast media. In movies and on television, people with mental health problems are alternately portrayed as violent and menacing or used for comedic purposes. These and other misinformed portrayals are a result of the stigma against people with mental health problems that is widespread around the globe.
Currently, around the world, significant efforts are being made to combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems. The work is taking place at all levels of society, from grassroots organizations to national programs, international collaboration, and the courageous acts of concerned individuals. People, groups, and governments are recognizing that, as a result of a culture that condones negative perceptions and treatment of people with mental health problems, a large percentage of the global population experiences the real and painful effects of stigma and is excluded from full social participation.
In this section you will find information on steps being taken internationally to address the issue of stigma and discrimination against mental illness and people with mental health problems. You can follow links to best practices, publications and reports, and other useful links.