Stigma and Discrimination against people with Mental Illness

Despite multiple strategies implemented against discrimination against people with mental illness, the problem just does not seem to be getting any better. Mental illnesses are very common, affecting millions of people across the world.

Also, despite how prevalent this condition is and how much we are aware of it, there is still a negative attitude when dealing with someone who has a mental disorder. Just like there is still stigma and discrimination against someone who contracted HIV, people with mental illness also experience negative treatments in all aspects of their lives. Stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness can be from society, employers, social media, and even our friends and family. After a while of facing these negative treatments, you come to believe the negative messages or stereotypes about yourself and this leads to the deterioration of one's mental health. We know that people with mental health problems who face stigma and discrimination, it has a negative impact on their lives. They are more likely to want to isolate themselves from friends and families, not feeling supported and loved, angry and frustrated at why they are different, and have a number of questions floating around in their minds daily.

How do Stigma and Discrimination affect people with mental illness/ disorder:

- These individuals find it difficult to obtain and maintain a job. This is likely because of the stigmatization of employers and coworkers.

- They are least likely to be in a steady, long-term relationship - Most times they are not able to have decent housing.

- They are often not socially included in activities and events.

- They can have feelings of shame, hopelessness, and alone.

- They are more reluctant to seek help or get the treatment they need.

- They have to endure bullying, physical violence, and harassment.

This negative attitude towards someone with mental illness can worsen or deteriorate their mental health. It can also prevent or delay them from getting the help they need. Social isolation, little to no support, poor housing, unemployment, and poverty are all risk factors linked to developing or worsening a mental illness. You may be stigmatized because of your race, gender, sexuality, disability, or differences. This ultimately leads to a lowering of self-esteem and self-confidence, making life more difficult for these individuals.

I talked about how social interaction can improve one's mental health, now imagine people with mental illness not being given the opportunity to socially interact because they were not included on the guest list of an event because of their disability or differences.

Why are people with mental health discriminated against? Some of these reasons include:

- Stereotypes. Society has developed a certain view of mental illness over the years. One of the stereotypes is that we believe that people with mental illness are dangerous when in reality, they are at a higher risk of being attacked or harming themselves.

- Social Media. Oftentimes media reports often link mental illness with violence or portray people with mental health problems as criminal, evil, or very disabled and unable to live normal, fulfilled lives. Remember, not everyone that commits a crime has a mental illness. This is what we were being told over and over via social media over the years. There is a time for real changes.

What can we do to fix this problem of stigma and discrimination?

- We need to implement campaigns about changes targeting the way people think and act about mental health problems.

- More awareness. Educate the public about mental illness. We need to understand mental illness is no more or different from physical illness.

- Letting someone know it is okay to express themselves about how they feel. This could make a huge difference and the first step is to let these individuals know they are supported and they can voice their feelings and be listened to.

- We need to have seminars and presentations in the work environment to raise more awareness of mental health and challenge stigma.


- There is a dire need for the implementation of the Equality Act to protect you against: direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, discrimination arising from a disability, harassment, victimization, etc, for carers, individuals, and families of individuals with mental illness.

If you or someone you know is being discriminated against, you can:

- Talk to someone informally- to a person or organization directly who has discriminated against you. A confrontation can bring awareness that their action is making you feel discriminated against.

- Make a formal complaint. This is the next step if the informal conversation was unsuccessful. Always try to make a written complaint.

Dealing with Stigma

Do not believe what others are saying about you.

Do not isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family you trust- get the support you need.

Remember you are not your illness. There is power in our language and the way we describe ourselves. If we develop a cold, we don't say "I am a cold", therefore if you have a mental illness try to avoid saying "Im depressed" and instead say " I have depression".

Do not let the fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness stop you from getting help. Most times we let our diagnosis be a label for us. Oftentimes, if you hear or experience something too often, you tend to start to believe it yourself.

Mental illness is not your final destination. With professional help, you are on your way to recovery and management. With professional help and psychotherapy management, you will be able to function and contribute to society just like anyone else.


Kind regards,
Bayhill Psychiatric Associates & Team

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