WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

What is Stigma?

Stigma refers to a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illnesses. Stigma is widespread in the United States and other Western nations. Stigma leads others to avoid living, socializing, or working with, renting to, or employing people with mental disorders —especially severe disorders, such as schizophrenia. It leads to low self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness. It deters the public from seeking and wanting to pay for care. Responding to stigma, people with mental health problems internalize public attitudes and become so embarrassed or ashamed that they often conceal symptoms and fail to seek treatment.

- from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health: Final Report, 2003 (.pdf)

Additional stigma definitions:

• Stigma: A scar, a mark of shame or discredit, a stain (Webster's Dictionary).
• "Stigma is an ancient evil. It still limits all aspects of life for people with brain disorders: housing, education, insurance, science, research, services, jobs, religion, and personal relationships" (NAMI - Open Your Mind).
• For more definitions of stigma, visit the ADS Center

Curious about other mental health related terms? 

American Psychological Association, Online Glossary