This article describes the nature of stigma attached to persons with mental illness and their family members. Stigma attached to persons with mental illness and those close to them, and the stigma experienced or internalized by persons with mental illness are delineated. The results present data about prevalence of mental illness in our country and the cross-cultural studies indicating the prevalence of different types of stigma in different cultures. Different modes of stigmatization and their impact on persons with mental illness are discussed, as well as the ways in which mass-media create stereotypes about mental illness. Summaries of the scales used for measuring stigma and anti-stigma programmes are also included.U članku se razmatraj...