At a glance

Stigma exists because we rarely hear about a person’s mental health unless there has been a problem. At least 1 in 5 of the people in our communities, families and workplaces experience a mental health concern and we do not realise this because they make a valuable contribution and do not fit the stereotype.

If we want to combat stigma, we need to change our idea of what a mental health concern looks like, because a person with a mental health concern looks like our neighbour, our colleague or our sister.

- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition

If you are working directly with someone living with a mental health condition, it is important that you:

  • do not believe the myths about mental health conditions
  • understand the challenges and discrimination experienced by people with mental health conditions and support them to overcome these
  • focus on strengths and abilities
  • do not define people by their diagnosis
  • call out and challenge others when you hear myths being discussed as if they were facts.

Resources

Dealing with mental illness stigma
This article outlines practical tips for dealing with mental illness stigma and where to get support.
Type: Web page
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Produced by: Health Direct

Understanding mental health and reducing stigma
This page has some tips on how you can help reduce stigma when supporting a person with a mental illness.
Type: Web page
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Produced by: QLD Government

Helping people cope with mental illness stigma: 'Believe in them'
This video shows lived experience practitioner Louise Byrne telling the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Q&A program audience how to help someone facing stigma associated with mental illness.
Type: Video
Viewing time: 3:09 minutes
Produced by: ABC News

Break the Stigma
This video explores the stigma around mental health challenges and how people can support each other.
Type: Video
Viewing time: 2.16 minutes
Produced by: Children's Hospital Colorado

The SANE guide to reducing stigma
This guide offers practical suggestions on how to reduce stigma against mental illness and suicide in the media.
Type: Publication (PDF)
Length: 55 pages
Produced by: SANE Australia


Current as at: Monday 24 February 2020
Contact page owner: Mental Health