The stigma surrounding mental health leads to a multitude of discriminatory situations that hinder the family, social, professional, and educational development of millions of people with mental health conditions . The fear of being labeled as having a mental health problem also reduces the likelihood that people will seek treatment. The stigma associated with mental health socially devalues the individual and their contributions as a member of society. In fact, 9 out of 10 people with a mental health problem report that stigma and discrimination negatively affect them.

Therefore, people who suffer stigma and discrimination are more likely to experience:

• Reluctance to seek treatment.
• Delay in treatment.
• Rejection, distancing, and social isolation.
• Worse psychological well-being.
• Lack of understanding between friends and family.
• Harassment, violence or intimidation.
• Poor quality of life and greater socioeconomic burden.
• Increased feelings of shame and self-doubt.