Another Face of Health Care Disparity: Stigma of Mental Illness

Abstract

In many everyday situations, individuals with mental illness face stigma that leads to discrimination. A growing body of evidence suggests that those with mental illness experience disparities in health care and that their medical needs are often overlooked. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness to this problem. Fictional vignettes in which individuals with mental illness seek medical care are presented, followed by discussion on the role discrimination may play in the level of care these patients received. To help alleviate disparities, nurses are encouraged to advocate and speak out when they suspect discrimination is affecting the quality of care of those with mental illness.