Real stigma stories
Three in five people living with a mental illness say the fear of how others perceive them has stopped them seeking support. It also stops people from doing things like applying for a job or promotion at work or becoming closer to their family and community.
These real stories show the impact of stigma and why we should all do more to stop the judgement of severe mental illness.
“She cancelled the job offer”
After moving to England from Bulgaria, Desislava experienced her first episode of schizophrenia. She shares the stigma and discrimination she faced when seeking employment, but has built a meaningful life since.
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“My managers at work treat me differently”
Christopher shares his journey with schizophrenia and severe depression, from crisis point to a fulfilling, peaceful life. Though Christopher is a successful Peer Support Coordinator, he sheds light on his experience of stigma at work.
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“I hid myself away”
Simon reflects on his past experience of indirect stigma and discrimination, when he was bullied at school because of his father’s bipolar disorder. He explores the impact this has had on his own mental health 30 years later.
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"It is not shameful or weak to have a mental illness"
Nadia recounts her journey with bipolar disorder type two. She talks about her mixed-race experience, the stigma found in her cultural and religious community, her relationship with her father and her first hypomanic episode.
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“Everyone has disappeared since I became unwell”
Two years ago, Jade developed psychosis for the first time. She shares her experiences of stigma and discrimination whilst working in healthcare and at university.
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“I felt so belittled”
Els was recently misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She sheds light on the ongoing stigma, misunderstanding and stereotyping she has faced from healthcare professionals because of this label.
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“I’ve lost many friends”
Karen shares the stigma she faced from her family and friends after developing postnatal depression with her third child. She speaks out on the complexities of the illness and now uses her experience to support others.
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“It is often discouraged for men to share their emotions”
Lol shares the stigma he's faced both indirectly (due to his father's psychosis) and directly, from his own experience with severe depression.
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“He thought his daughter was in danger with me”
After experiencing mental illness for most of her life, Kaz was brought to crisis point. She shares how stigma and negative stereotyping disrupted her relationship with her brother and housemate.
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“BPD was like a swear word in my appointments”
Mariss explores her journey with BPD (borderline personality disorder), touching on symptoms like impulsivity and mood swings. She shares her experience of ongoing stigma from mental health professionals.
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“I have been tutted at, stared at, followed around”
Nikki reflects on her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), from intrusive thoughts to structured rituals. She shares the damaging stigma she has faced in her day-to-day life from strangers and passers-by.
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