STIGMA IN MENTAL DISORDERS: WHAT IS PSYCHIATRY ABLE TO DO?

The problem of stigma in mental health in connected to the problem of human rights. Mental health professionals, psychiatrists included, display stigmatization of people with mental disorders mostly through social distance, even though they have “politically correct” opinions about their patients. Negative beliefs and attitudes in psychiatric profession should be opposed because of their important influence on public opinion, opinion of patients´ themselves and of their family members. The “disabling environment” formed through discriminative practices in all society levels can be improved through mental health policy documents and plans that involve clear human rights protection premises, resource allocation and development priorities in line with international standards. Slovenia invests at least 80% of mental health budget in psychiatric hospitals and social care institutions, which employ 90% of psychiatrists. Redirection of these resources to local level, together with reallocation of human resources, should improve attitudes of mental health workers towards people with mental problems, because of timely, effective and needs-led approach that enables recovery