The stigma of mental illness : strategies against social exclusion and discrimination

1 Introduction
2 Historical and Social Contexts
3 What Is Stigma?
4 Consequences of Stigma
5 People With Various Mental Disorders and Their Relatives
6 Personal Perspectives
7 Stigma in Different Sectors of Society
8 Reduction of Public Stigma
9 Strategies Against Self-Stigma
10 Reduction of Stigma as a Barrier to Help-Seeking
11 Reducing Structural Discrimination
12 Nationwide Antistigma Campaigns
13 Stigma and Discrimination Related to Mental Illness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
14 Looking Back and Ahead
Glossary
Index

People with mental illness are often painfully familiar with overt prejudice or more subtle forms of mistreatment. The stigma and discrimination associated with their disorders can have effects in several areas of life: in social interactions, in work and healthcare settings, in the legal system and the media. Many withdraw due to shame and do not seek help. In turn, stigma can prove to be a more serious problem than the disorder itself. Yet too little is done to reduce stigma and its impact.

The Stigma of Mental Illness: Strategies Against Discrimination and Social Exclusion offers up the knowledge necessary to understand and fight against stigma and discrimination. It will be invaluable to all health professionals, social workers, healthcare managers and policy makers with an involvement or interest in mental illness.

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