Exploring Internalized Stigma, Self-Esteem, and Symptom Severity in Depression: A Comparative Study of Active and Remitted Phases

Objective: Internalized stigma, which refers to the internalization of negative attitudes and beliefs towards persons with mental illness, significantly impacts their self-perception and overall well-being. This research examines the correlations among internalized stigma, the severity of symptoms, and self-esteem in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), specifically comparing those currently experiencing active depression with those who are in remission. Material and Method: Participants were selected from a psychiatric outpatient unit based on their diagnosis of MDD. Participants provided sociodemographic information and completed assessments measuring the severity of depression, level of anxiety, self-esteem, and internalized stigma. Results: Participants experiencing active depression exhibited elevated levels of depression severity, anxiety severity, and internalized stigma, while also reporting diminished self-esteem in comparison to those who were in a state of remission. Strong positive relationships were observed between the severity of depression and internalized stigma where self-esteem was negatively correlated with the stigma. The results of the regression analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the severity of depression, self-esteem, and internalized stigma in the group of individuals with active MDD. Conclusion: This study underscores the impact of depression severity and self-esteem on internalized stigma in individuals with MDD. The findings indicate the need to implement comprehensive treatment techniques that address psychological and social variables like self-esteem and internalized stigma in addition to symptom management. Future studies should investigate the long-term connections and assess the efficacy of interventions in reducing the obstacles caused by stigma in the process of recovering from depression.