Answer to Question #265479 in Sociology for Karen

Question

Define the sociological term ‘stigma’ and discuss briefly how it affects people experiencing an illness. Reference (about 100-200 words)

Answer 1

Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness.

Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need.

Avoid stigmatising people with mental illness by seeing the person first and not labelling them by their mental illness.

You can help challenge stigma by speaking up when you hear people around you make negative or wrong comments about mental illness.