In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, GAMIAN-Europe (GE) is excited to launch a new campaign designed to challenge the stigma and discrimination that continue to surround Major Mental Health Conditions (MHCs). The campaign features a series of messages on GAMIAN-Europe’s social media channels—X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram—and the release of a powerful video animation available on GE’s YouTube channel.
The video is inspired by personal testimonies from individuals living with MHCs, gathered during a workshop the organisation held in August this year. These first-hand accounts were combined with research findings and compiled into a comprehensive report that tackles the deeply rooted stigma faced by people with MHCs, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
The report delves into personal experiences, offering insight into how stigma plays out in everyday life. One participant shared: “Stigma is like an additional illness that intensifies the struggles we already face. It multiplies the symptoms we are dealing with.” Another participant expressed the internal conflict that many people with MHCs face when deciding whether to disclose their condition: “I’ve become more selective about who deserves, or needs to know about my mental health. I don’t want to put myself in that position where I have to deal with the stigma, the bullying, or just the indifference.”
Key findings from the report highlight the persistence of stigma, despite growing awareness about mental health. While conditions like depression and anxiety have seen some reduction in stigma over time, the report reveals that other conditions, such as schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder, remain heavily stigmatised. As one participant noted: “People immediately assume that schizophrenia means violence. It’s a constant battle against those stereotypes.”
The report also emphasises the role of self-stigma, where individuals internalise society’s negative perceptions, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. “I have that sense of self-stigma at times, where the only person who judges me is me,” shared another participant. The document depicts how stigma affects daily life, particularly in areas like employment, healthcare, and relationships, with an analysis of social media discussions around mental health conditions, shedding light on both supportive and harmful views.
The social media aspect of the campaign will focus on spreading awareness, debunking myths, and providing education to foster understanding and empathy. GAMIAN-Europe invites everyone to share the video and support the campaign, helping to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with mental health conditions.
Join the conversation on GE’s social media channels and view the video, as we work together to break down the barriers of stigma and support mental health for all.