Stigma and discrimintation
Mental health affects all of us – so we can all do something to help break down the stigma that surrounds it and help create a society where mental health problems are not hidden in shame and secrecy.
The impact of prejudice, ignorance and fear around mental health may prevent people seeking help when they need it. It stops people with ability getting the jobs they are qualified to do. It can stop people building new friendships and mean they lose existing ones. Yet one in four adults experience mental health problems in any one year. How would you react if someone you knew had a mental health issue?
There are a lot of myths surrounding mental illness and because of the myths it can feel like you don't know enough to be able to help. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable with mental health problems and are frightened, as they don't know what to do. But doing nothing or avoiding the issue can make things worse. You don't need to be an expert on mental health to be a friend; it's often the everyday things that make a difference.
For information about mental health stigma and how you can help make changes, go to the Time to Change website.
