What is Stigma?
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA?
Stigma refers to “a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness. Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action. Stigma is about disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need.” (SAMHSA, 2004)
WHERE DO STIGMAS COME FROM?
Stigmas associated with mental health concerns come from the belief that individuals with mental health issues are somehow “different” than everyone else.
Throughout history, individuals with mental health issues have been mistreated, excluded, and shamed. There are even examples of individuals with mental health issues being brutalized such as the act of trephining, which involved making a hole in a person's skull to release evil spirits. This unfair treatment stems from misguided views that individuals with mental health issues are violent, demonic, and unpredictable. Such negative connotations elicited fear and discrimination. A prime example is during the Nazi reign in Germany when thousands of people with mental health issues were murdered or sterilized.
Even at a systemic level, we can see the impact of stigma. For example, the medical model heavily relies on diagnoses and oftentimes having a label attached to a person suggests that the person is somehow different. Certain diagnoses such as schizophrenia have a particularly negative association due to the hospitalization/asylum based model that was considered the most effective way to care for individuals with severe mental health concerns.
We can even find evidence of stigma through the media. The media is a popular means through which information is disseminated. However, given its power, the media can also be a major contributor to disseminating biased information about mental health, which in turn strengthens the negative stereotypes of mental health.
TERMS RELATED TO STIGMA:
Stereotype
“A person or thing that conforms to an unjustly fixed impression or attitude.”
Stereotypes are attitudes about a group of people (e.g., “All people with mental illness are dangerous.”).
Prejudice
“a preconceived opinion”
Prejudice is agreeing with the stereotypes
(e.g., “I think people with mental illness are dangerous.”).
Discrimination
“unfavorable treatment based on prejudice”
Discrimination is the behavior that results: “I don’t want people with mental illness around me; therefore, I discriminate against them by not hiring them, not being friends with them, etc.”
THE IMPACT OF STIGMAS:
Social stigmas often lead to prejudice or discriminating behaviors. Perceived stigmas can also be internalized by the individual. An internalized stigma can foster feelings of shame, isolation, and low self-esteem. Stigmas can also make certain populations less likely to seek treatment or disclose their mental health concern.