Understanding
Mental Illness
Stigma
By Ashley L. Peterson,
Author of A Brief History of Stigma

Stigma Is a
Multi-Step
Process

The Process of Mental Illness Stigma

Recognition &
Labelling of
Differences
● Society views certain
characteristics (like mental
illness) as deviant.
● People who are viewed as
mentally ill are Othered.
● Labels like “crazy” or “mentally ill”
are applied based on recognized
differences, regardless of any
diagnosis.

Socially Acceptable vs. Deviant Identities

We Categorize People Based on Social Identities
Us
We react to people
differently depending on
whether or not they are
members of our social in-
group.
Not-Us
There are various
identities and social roles
that may not be part of
our in-group, but they’re
still a socially acceptable
out-group.
We recognize members
of these out-groups as
fully human.
Deviant
Certain identities are
considered deviant and
not quite human.
Deviant identities (like
mental illness) tend to be
seen as subsuming all
other identities people
may have.

Stereotypes
● Stereotypes are a kind of social
knowledge structure that captures
what’s expected of people with
certain identities or in certain
social roles.
● They may have a grain of truth,
but they aren’t accurate when
applied rigidly to all members of a
group.

Common Mental Illness Stereotypes

Prejudice
● Society views certain
characteristics as deviant.
● Mental illness is one such
characteristic and people who
are viewed as being mentally ill
are considered Other
● Labels like “crazy” or “mentally ill”
are applied based on recognized
differences, regardless of any
medical diagnosis

Discrimination
Discrimination can occur in a variety
of contexts, including:
● Health care
● Law enforcement
● Criminal justice system
● Employment
● School
● Housing

Difference: A
person with a
flat facial
expression
who doesn’t
make eye
contact.
Label:
Mentally ill
Mentally ill
people are
unpredictable
and may be
violent
Feelings:
discomfort,
fear
Thoughts:
desire for
social
distance
Action: Avoid
being around
or talking to
this person

Types of Stigma

Types of Mental Illness Stigma
Public Stigma
Public stigma refers to
the set of negative
attitudes about mental
illness that members of
society learn through
socialization.
Structural Stigma
Structural stigma exists
in the laws, policies, and
practices of governments
and social institutions
that restrict rights and
opportunities for people
with mental illness.
Self-Stigma
Self-stigma results from
the internalization of
public stigma.

Want to know more
about stigma?
A Brief History of Stigma by
Ashley L. Peterson
Available on Amazon and
Google Play
For more details, visit
Mental Health @ Home