What is Stigma?

Goffman defined stigma as “the situation of the individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance”.

Mental health experts suggest that it refers to the "negative effects of a label placed on any group including those who have been diagnosed as having mental health problems" (Hayward & Bright, 1997).

Rethink’s website comments that “stigma has been variously described as “a mark or sign of disgrace or discredit” (Oxford English Dictionary) to “an attribute that is deeply discrediting and that reduces the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted, discounted one” (Goffman, 1963). Stigma can be seen as an attitude, located at the individual level, based on ignorance, prejudice and fear of a particular group.

The Institute of Psychiatry initiative, Mental Health Care, states that stigma is best defined as three things:
    * Ignorance
    * Prejudice
    * Discrimination

Discrimination is defined by the United Nations as “less favourable treatment of persons”, and in the English Oxford Dictionary as ”the making of a distinction, to give unfair treatment, especially because of prejudice”. Discrimination against individuals and groups thrives when left unchecked and unchallenged. It is a societal issue and resolution lies with the population at large, rather than those individuals experiencing symptoms of mental distress.

For example, if a man threatens his neighbour, the neighbour will view him even more negatively if he believes the man's behaviour is caused by mental health problems. In this sense, the experience might be called the "stigma" of mental health problems (CommunityCare 8th December 2005).

The effects of stigma and discrimination can be felt by those experiencing mental health problems long after the actual symptoms have been resolved. Historically, those that suffer with mental health problems have borne the brunt of stigma more than most other disadvantaged groups. It is worth mentioning, that there are ‘degrees’ of stigma and discrimination experienced by those with different diagnoses – for example schizophrenia versus panic attacks. Nevertheless, stigma applies across the board, where people are labeled as weak and perceived not to contribute.

To give some real meaning and understanding of the effect of stigma, this is a recent and powerful article in the Independent in March 2005 by an ex-user of mental health services in the UK “to have a mental illness is to experience one of the most painful and isolating traumas known to man. And yet the sensational nature of some press coverage does nothing to assist those who campaign to dispel the myths which surround mental illness. Because of this, vulnerable individuals who are suffering from mental illness through no fault of their own feel shunned, experiencing rejection from society instead of kindness and understanding”

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