The Stigma Around Mental Illness

The stigma around mental health not only comes from society, the media, or our peers, but it can also come from within. People may also avoid the stigma of mental illness because of stigma’s potential effects on one’s sense of self. Research shows that people with mental illness often internalize stigmatizing ideas that are widely endorsed within society and believe that they are less valued because of their psychiatric disorder (Corrigan, 2004). Working to diminish the stigma around mental health is an ongoing battle, but progress has been made over the years. Programs that decrease stigma will reduce the attitudes and behaviors that might be barriers to care seeking (Corrign, 2004). Corrigan has identified three approaches that may decrease