Addressing mental health-related stigma in a global context

Stigma related to mental health difficulties is recognized to have important implications for both individuals with a lived experience of these difficulties and their carers. Global Mental Health initiatives have highlighted the need to reduce mental health-related stigma across the globe. This chapter synthesizes research findings to highlight the impact that stigma has on various life domains, including help-seeking behaviour, relationships and employment. The dynamic relationships between stigma and the explanations people have for the emergence of mental health difficulties are discussed. These relationships appear to be dependent on contextual factors that impinge on peoples’ lives. The chapter critically discusses approaches that have been employed to address stigma related to mental health difficulties. The paucity of research that has been conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) investigating stigma is flagged as a concern. However, the chapter reflects on lessons relevant stakeholders in high-income countries might learn from contextually sensitive approaches that have been employed in LMICs that offer promise in reducing mental health-related stigma.