A mental health service users perspective to stigmatisation

Background: Previous campaigns to combat stigma emphasise the need for people who do not have mental health problems to behave in a non-stigmatising socially inclusive way towards those who do. Less attention has been given to the role of people with mental health problems in the construction of stigma or the impact it has upon them. Aim: To enhance services' contribution to supporting their clients in dealing with stigma, this study explores the nature and impact of stigma from the perspective of the lived experience of mental health service users. Method: In-depth interviews with 27 Caucasian service users Results: All respondents, whatever their diagnosis, reported being affected by stigma. Fear of stigma was found to be more commonplace (reported by 25 respondents) and more restrictive than overt discrimination (reported by 14 respondents). Conclusion: It is suggested that traditional campaigns that highlight discrimination may have a negative impact on the mentally ill because they highlight the prevalence of hostile attitudes. In so doing the stigmatised stereotype is perpetuated.