Mental health stigma and discrimination: blogs and stories

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. When we make assumptions about how mental health problems will affect someone's behaviour, this makes it more likely that they will be singled out, or labelled as different, dangerous or strange. This is what we call stigma. Treating someone differently from how we treat others because of their mental health, whether consciously or subconsciously, is what we call discrimination.

People with mental illnesses often experience stigma and discrimination that can be worse than the illness itself. In our Stigma Shout survey, 9 out 10 people with mental health problems reported the negative impact of stigma and discrimination on their lives.

These blogs are written by people who have personal experiences of mental health stigma or discrimination and illustrate how it can affect them.

You can help by ensuring your friend or relative is not afraid to speak out about mental health or is left wondering where they can turn for help. Read our tips on talking or pledge to talk about mental health today >>

Why should I feel guilty or ashamed about depression?

Submitted by Harriet Marie on Fri, 24/05/2013 - 9:47am

Harriet Throughout school I was an A* student with aspirations of attending Cambridge University but 4 years on from my GCSE's I am working for my Mum and living with depression.

It wasn’t until about 6 months ago that things took a turn for the worse. I failed my first year of university and family deaths collided in the same week, which sent me further into this black hole than I had ever been before and it was at this point I was diagnosed.

Not looking after employees' mental health is expensive and damaging

Submitted by Outofworkweirdo on Fri, 24/05/2013 - 9:21am

Photo of fire alarm It's been four months since I 'chose' to leave my job because it was felt I wasn’t well enough for my role. It’s the second job I’ve now 'left' in such circumstances and its normal, if not necessarily helpful, to wonder who or what is to blame for this career relapse.

Agoraphobia: "Well that’s ridiculous, just get a grip..."

Submitted by _Flo_ on Thu, 23/05/2013 - 8:44am

I was abused for 17 years, and now even though I’m free from abuse I still live in torment. Due to my upbringing and all my experiences, I have found myself being a 19 year old girl living with Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD and Agoraphobia. Every single day I have to live in a society that just doesn’t understand and, even though I shouldn’t, I still found myself accepting that a long time ago.

One of the hardest things about anxiety and depression is the fear of judgement

Submitted by Ciara on Tue, 21/05/2013 - 3:39pm

Ciara As someone who has lived with anxiety and depression on and off for many years, there is one thing that has always remained. It doesn’t cost a penny, it can’t be bought or sold, but it is one of the most valuable things to me.

A listening ear. It is that listening ear that has got me through some of the toughest times in my life. But this is a particular kind of listening ear. One that comes without judgement.