[Stigmatization of mentally ill patients by the society]

In our society, people with mental illness are exposed to various forms of discrimination. In principle, individual and structural discrimination plus discrimination due so self-stigmatisation can be distinguished. All three forms of discrimination will be illustrated based on results from our own studies. Next, negative consequences of discrimination for those afflicted will be described such as lack of self-confidence and reduced subjective well-being as well as social disadvantages and disadvantages with regard to treatment and rehabilitation. Finally, using the association "Irrsinnig menschlich" ("Madly human") in Leipzig as an example, approaches to reduce discrimination of mentally ill people will be presented.