Abstract
Stigma and discrimination because of epilepsy, leprosy and HIV/aids has decreased over the years, but this has not happened as regards mental illness. One aspect of the stigma issue is what has been described as self-stigmatization, the way the mentally ill look at themselves. The aim of this study was to illuminate the self-perception of mentally ill persons in a Swedish setting. An internationally well established questionnaire, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale (ISMI) was used to investigate two samples of out-patients from northern Sweden (N = 260). Fifty two percent reported “minimum stigma”, 35% “mild” and 13% “moderate/severe” stigma. As many as 58% agreed to the statement “I am embarrassed or ashamed that I have a mental illness”. The levels of internalized stigma are rather high, but somewhat lower than reported from some other European and an Iranian study using the same methodology. In spite of several campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination because of mental illness in Sweden, still the experience of self stigma is rather high. There is an urgent need to further developed anti-stigma strategies.
Highlights
Stigma and discrimination because of epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, neurological disorders, cancer and even HIV/aids has decreased over the years, especially in high-income countries
Stigma and discrimination because of epilepsy, leprosy and HIV/aids has decreased over the years, but this has not happened as regards mental illness
In spite of several campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination because of mental illness in Sweden, still the experience of self stigma is rather high
Summary
Stigma and discrimination because of epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, neurological disorders, cancer and even HIV/aids has decreased over the years, especially in high-income countries. The most important is a more successful treatment of these disorders and an increasing educational level in the general population. Common knowledge about causes and treatments has increased. L. Jacobsson et al 124 discrimination because of mental illness is still a pressing issue in spite of a number of initiatives taken to reduce the problem. As regards mental disorders our explanatory models are not sufficiently developed and we still lack effective treatments. The consequences for individuals suffering and their families and society at large are great. One is a negative effect on the development of mental health services and research funding another is a reluctance to seek professional help from individuals suffering from mental problems
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