Self-stigma

Self-stigma reflects negative, culturally-generated stereotypes, beliefs and emotions about a specific feature shared by a group of people.

Negative social attitudes towards people living with mental illness include the false beliefs that they are threatening, less competent than those who don’t live with mental illness, or that they are to blame for their conditions. People who accept these stereotypes and respond negatively to people with mental health issues are expressing public stigma.

Self-stigma occurs when a person with a stigmatised trait internalises these negative stereotypes, and/or chooses to conceal their identity for fear of being stigmatised by others.

In either case, a common response is to avoid being associated with this characteristic. For example, one may avoid seeking professional support to distance themselves from a label or withdraw socially so as to not be stigmatised by others. Although these avoidant behaviours may relieve discomfort in the short-term, they don’t allow the person affected to tackle the underlying issues.

Stigma is society’s problem. Those on the receiving end are not responsible for it. We each have the capacity to educate ourselves and others in order to halt the perpetuation of stigma.

No one should have to deal with stigma and self-stigma. But when people with complex mental health issues do internalise stigma, it is vital to defy those beliefs in our minds. It is only by taking these difficult first steps that we can lead the happy and healthy lives we deserve.

Because self-stigma is often unconscious, it can be hard to tell it’s taking place. Keeping an eye out for common signs – such as negative self-talk and social withdrawal – and beginning to gently challenge and reframe these pessimistic thought patterns is a good way to tackle self-stigma.

Some common examples are explored below:

1. I don’t want to be different. 
   

   Many people with mental health issues feel isolated by their experience. However, in reality, a large proportion of the Australian population have personal experience of mental illness.
   
   In 2018, approximately 20% of Australian adults experienced a mental health issue. Forty-five percent are expected to deal with mental illness at some point in their lifetime. Hence, almost 1 in 2 people will grapple with these issues at some stage in their lives. Your experiences do not make you strange or different, and you are by no means alone.

2. Other people won’t understand, so it’s better if I don’t tell them.
   

   Social withdrawal can be a serious problem for those living with complex mental health issues. In many cases, people fear others will not understand their experience and stigmatise them for it. To combat fear of rejection, many people remove themselves from social situations in order to avoid disclosing their condition to others. 

   Although this strategy may temporarily quell the fear of ostracisation, it is not a productive or long-term solution. In fact, studies show that people who willingly reach out and seek help experience drastically less loneliness than those who are unwilling. 

   Be gentle with yourself. Consider how you would treat a close friend in the same position. Treat yourself with the same level of patience and kindness – and give those around you the chance to do the same. If in doubt, remember to reach out to the services available to you. Explore ways to socialise that help you feel comfortable, safe and supported.

3. I’m not sick enough/I’m too sick to benefit from treatment.

   It can feel very daunting to reach out for help, especially if you fear being told your experience is too mild or too severe to warrant assistance. 

   The reality is that no two experiences will be the same. Levels of severity do not dictate or invalidate your experience, nor exempt you from the right to access help. You are always worthy. 

   Try to think about mental health in the same terms as physical health. For example, if you broke your leg, you wouldn’t hesitate to have a professional take care of it – mental illness should be no different.

4. If I ask for help, I am weak.
   

   Seeking help is never a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a sign of courage. Everyone needs help at times and learning to ask for it is never something to feel ashamed of. It’s just one of many important examples of ‘self-care’ – like exercising, eating well and getting enough sleep.

Making changes to the way you think about and talk to yourself can be difficult. It requires perseverance. These changes take time and it’s important to be gentle with yourself as you  challenge any negative self-talk.

Most importantly, remember to check in with yourself regularly, and seek support from those around you. You can get in touch with SANE's free counselling service to speak to a trained counsellor. Call the SANE helpline on 1800 187 263 or send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

And to connect with others who understand because they have a shared experience of mental health challenges, visit our safe and anonymous online Forums. Chat with members about life in general, mental health, or experiences like stigma and self-stigma. 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2018). Mental health services in Australia in brief 2018. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia-in-brief-2018/contents/table-of-contents

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Corrigan, P. W., River, L., Lundin, R. K., Uphoff Wasowski, K., Campion, J., Mathisen, J., et al. (2000). Stigmatizing attributions about mental illness. Journal of Community Psychology, 28, 91–102.

Holubova, M., Prasko, J., Ociskova, M., Kantor, K., Vanek, J., Slepecky, M., & Vrbova, K. (2019). Quality-of-life, self-stigma, and coping strategies in patients with neurotic spectrum disorders: A cross-sectional study. Psychological Research and Behaviour Management, 12, 81-95.

Prince, J. D., Oyo, A., Mora, O., Wyka, K., & Schonebaum, A. D. (2018). Loneliness among persons with severe mental illness. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 206(2), 136-141.

Pryor, J. B., & Reeder, G. D. (2011). HIV-related stigma. In J. C. Hall, B. J. Hall & C. J. Cockerell (Eds.), HIV/AIDS in The Post-HAART Era: Manifestations, Treatment, and Epidemiology (pp. 790-804). Shelton, CT: PMPH-USA.

Thornicroft, G. (2006). Tackling discrimination. Mental Health Today, 2006 (Jun), 26-29.

Wallin, E., Maathz, P., Parling, T., & Hursti, T. (2018). Self-stigma and the intention to seek psychological help online compared to face to face. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(7), 1207-1218.

Download the self-stigma factsheet.

Author: Sophie Raphael, SANE Peer Ambassador.

The production of this fact sheet was supported by Future Generation Global, in partnership with batyr.