In the context of this discussion, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) defines stigma as "a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivates the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness" (SAMHSA 2004). The MHCC reports that one of the most substantial ways that this stigma affects people is that 60% of people with a mental illness won't seek out the help they need due to the stigma associated with being labelled mentally ill.

Why do you think people with mental illness are stigmatized?

Can you think of any other health conditions or social issues that have been stigmatized throughout history?

What factors have contributed to changing public attitudes about some of these conditions or issues?

What do you think influences perceptions about mental illness?

How do you think stigma affects the lives of people with mental illness?