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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.
Read Desislava's story Read Desislava's story“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.
Read Christopher's story Read Christopher's story“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.
Listen to Simon's story Listen to Simon's story"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.
Read Nadia's story Read Nadia's story“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.
Read Jade's story Read Jade's story“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.
Read Els' story Read Els' story“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.
Read Karen's story Read Karen's story“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.
Read Lol's story Read Lol's story“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.
Read Kaz's story Read Kaz's story“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.
Read Mariss' story Read Mariss' story“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.
Read Nikki's story Read Nikki's storyFree guide
The impact of stigma
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A shocking truth
A YouGov poll ran for our Let's Rethink campaign says over a third of UK adults wouldn’t feel comfortable in the presence of someone they believe is experiencing severe mental illness. This. Must. Change.
Read our thoughts Read our thoughts
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Busting the myths
We know that the myths and stigma that surround mental illness is stopping people seeking the help they need. If we all re-evaluate what we think about mental illness, we’ll be supporting the millions across the UK.
Read the facts, forget the myths Read the facts, forget the myths
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Stigma in numbers
We conducted a survey of people severely affected by mental illness in 2021, and found their experiences of stigma and discrimination were all too common. Here we explore the shocking numbers.
Read the numbers behind the stigma Read the numbers behind the stigma
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Trouble with stigma
Let’s be clear. Stigma around mental illness destroys lives. It's a negative attitude someone holds about a person, or a group, for a particular reason and comes from a lack of understanding. Let's do better.
Learn about the impact of stigma Learn about the impact of stigma