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:
Dealing with mental illness stigmaThis article outlines practical tips for dealing with mental illness stigma and where to get support.Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 5 minutesProduced by: Health Direct
Understanding mental health and reducing stigmaThis page has some tips on how you can help reduce stigma when supporting a person with a mental illness.Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 5 minutesProduced 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: VideoViewing time: 3:09 minutesProduced by: ABC News
Break the StigmaThis video explores the stigma around mental health challenges and how people can support each other. Type: VideoViewing time: 2.16 minutesProduced by: Children's Hospital Colorado
The SANE guide to reducing stigmaThis guide offers practical suggestions on how to reduce stigma against mental illness and suicide in the media. Type: Publication (PDF)Length: 55 pagesProduced by: SANE Australia
Discrimination, stigma and mental health
