Combating Psychiatric Stigma: An Overview of Contemporary Initiatives

Psychiatric stigma is the false and unjustified association of individuals who have a mental illness, their families, friends and service providers with something shameful. It is often deeply hurtful. Sometimes fanned by the media, the ever-glowing coals and brand of stigma foster hostility in the community and negative discrimination by services and employer. Stigma stirs up fears and discourages people who suspect they may have a mental illness from seeking appropriate and timely help. The following paper summarises recent initiatives to counter psychiatric stigma that are relevant to or emanate from Australia and New Zealand.