OVERCOMING STIGMA IN OUR SOCIETIES.

Stigma occurs when someone views you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need. Everyone has a role to play in creating a mentally healthy community i.e. one that is inclusive, rejects discrimination and supports recovery. One way to do this is by learning the facts about mental illness and sharing them with family, friends, work colleagues and classmates.