Stigma in Mental Health: The Status and Future Direction

It is well known that stigma significantly delays access to timely and appropriate mental healthcare, which then eventually causes a delay in achieving ideal health outcomes. It is distinguished by negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. It is relatively common in psychiatric care and noticeably linked to poor mental health, delayed availability of medical care and therapy, high morbidity, low quality of life, and suicide. The purpose of this research is to address the current situation of stigma in mental health. Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, PubMed, Medline, PsycInfo, and Social Science were searched from 1995 to April 2024. Abstracts of articles were then reviewed for relevance. Most studies used "mental illness" as a related term. This review shows that stigma in mental health is seen almost everywhere and could be a significant barrier for patients to seek medical help. In conclusion, stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier to effective care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to effectively address stigma. Current efforts from governmental and non-governmental organizations are insufficient on their own. This can be done by implementing targeted awareness initiatives to change public perceptions, developing designated courses and workshops for patients, families, and community members, and launching coordinated campaigns involving various sectors (health, education, and media) to promote mental health literacy.