Stigma originally meant a physical mark of shame. Now, it’s an invisible mark that sets you apart from others. The problem with the word ‘stigma’ is that it puts the focus on the person’s difference instead of on the people who are setting them apart. Using the word stigma makes it seem different than racism, homophobia or sexism. It isn’t. So it’s time to talk about stigma for what it really is: prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice is holding negative attitudes or beliefs about people who are viewed as different. Discrimination is acting on these ideas or beliefs.  

 

Research shows that over half of people living with mental illnesses said that they were embarrassed about their healthproblems, and over half felt like they had experienced discrimination. In one recent Canadian study, researchers found that:

• Just under half of Canadians thought that a mental illness was just an excuse for poor behaviour

• Only about one in three Canadians would continue to be friends with someone with an alcohol use problem

• Only about one in four would continue to be friends with someone with a drug use problem