AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH - The Nossal Institute for ...

Stigma is: ` … a mark of shame, disgrace or disapproval, which results in an individual being
shunned or rejected by others.’ – WHO
Discrimination is the unfair treatment directed towards those who are stigmatised, whereby
those who are stigmatised are treated less favourably than those who are not stigmatised.
For example, people may be discriminated against because of their race, age or gender. 16
Step 2
Ask participants to divide into three groups and give each group one of
the following topics to discuss:
1. Why is there stigma and discrimination against people with mental
disorders?
2. What problems might a person with a mental disorder face due to
discrimination?
3. How can discrimination be reduced for a person with a mental
disorder?
Ask each group to identify a member of the group who will write the
group’s ideas on a large piece of paper.
After 10 minutes, collect the ideas that the participants have written
down and stick them on the wall.
Ask participants to walk around and read the ideas from the other groups
(those that can read should read the ideas aloud for the benefit of those
who are less literate).
After 5 minutes ask participants to return to the large group and discuss
the ideas that were stuck on the wall. Address each question in turn and
discuss, can the large group add any ideas to those already collected?
Step 3
Present the information from the ‘Information for Presentation’ box
below.
INFORMATION FOR PRESENTATION
Why is there stigma and discrimination?
• People with mental disorder are sometimes stigmatised and discriminated against
because they think and behave differently. 2
• Not knowing the facts about mental disorders sometimes makes people afraid of those
who are suffering from a mental disorder.
AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH 97