About Stigma

Being avoided, ignored, talked about, laughed at or bullied because of a mental health problem…that’s stigma. Like all prejudice, it is based on fear, and a lack of knowledge. Myths about mental health problems can discourage people from getting help early, and encourage stigma against people with mental health problems.

Stigmatising language (psycho, loony, nutter etc) is just as unacceptable as racist, sexist or homophobic language. Bullying or harassing someone because of mental ill-health is just as damaging as any other kind of bullying, and it can be challenged in the same way.

Most people get their information about mental ill-health from the media (TV, films, newspapers and magazines). Often the portrayal of people with mental health problems presents a view of those people as either dangerous and violent, or helpless and unable to cope.

The reality is very different. Although mental ill-health can have a significant impact on a person’s life, most people get better. Close to 80% of people with mental health problems recover fully, leading fulfilling and active lives.

‘see me’ was set up to challenge the stigma of mental ill-health. Click to find out more about the campaign so far.