Challenging stigma and discrimination in the mentally ill

The aim of this review is to examine strategies for confronting the stigmatisation and discrimination experienced by those with a mental illness. It is first necessary to look at how the current literature defines the concepts of ‘stigma’ and ‘discrimination’, and how these apply to the population in question. The paper then examines ways to challenge these, paying particular attention to current theories of reducing stigma by education, contact and protest. Articles used for this review have been published in the last ten years in medical, nursing and sociological journals. The key theme developed by this study is that stigma and discrimination remain significant problems for those with a psychiatric illness and may act as a barrier to therapy. Stigmatisation occurs in many settings of everyday life for patients with mental health problems. Overcoming this challenge requires a targeted approach, with current research emphasising public education and increased interaction between those with a mental illness and other citizens.