Breaking Barriers: Building a Community of Support to Combat Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination
"The experience of mental illness… the burden to the individual is enough already. For the community to make this even harder is total injustice. We need to change our beliefs. We need to change our thinking." Martha, Ghana
“The more we talk about it, the more we can reduce the stigma. The more people share their own stories, the more accepting people will be. When these stories hit close to home… then it will be easier for people to accept.” Tirnom, Nigeria
Why tackling stigma and discrimination matters…
“Stigma and discrimination contravene basic human rights and have severe, toxic effects on people with mental health conditions that exacerbate marginalisation and social exclusion.” - The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health, 2022
There is robust evidence of what works to tackle stigma across global regions…
“Interventions based on the principle of social contact (whether in person, virtual, or indirect) that have been appropriately adapted to different contexts and cultures are the most effective ways to reduce stigmatisation worldwide.” -The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health, 2022
The Lancet Commission’s additional evaluation of ten large-scale anti-stigma programmes around the world found that they are most effective when:
They involve people with lived experience of mental health conditions as co-producers in all aspects of development
Target groups are consulted on programme content and delivery
Programmes are sustained over the long term
How a global Working Group could help…
The Global Mental Health Action Network (the Action Network) has established a new Working Group to combat mental health stigma and discrimination. The group’s inaugural meeting will take place on 9th May - joining links can be found below. The Working Group members will convene regularly with the aim of:
Adapting evidence-based methods: There may be several models or methods that have elements which could potentially be adapted to the culture, social norms, policy and legal frameworks that shape how stigma is driven in your own community.
Sharing global and national best practices: Being aware of these methods and tools and hearing from colleagues around the world who have researched, created/adapted, delivered and evaluated anti-stigma programmes and projects, discussing challenges and opportunities and gaining insights, learning and above all else – inspiration from members of this new Working Group is what we aim to offer.
Establishing peer networks: Networking and collaborating with individuals and organisations based on national, regional and global cultural contexts based on member’s aims.
We also know that it is hard to make the case for investment or continued long-term investment in projects or programmes with a focus on challenging mental health stigma and discrimination. We aim to share learning across the membership and collectively advocate for increased attention to, and investment in, anti-stigma programs at key global events/moments.
Joining the Working Group…
To join the Stigma and Discrimination Working Group, please ensure you are a member of the Action Network. If you are already a member, you can sign up using this link. The first Working Group meeting will take place on 9th May and will be held twice to accommodate members joining from different regions.
Topic: Stigma and Discrimination Working Group Meeting [option 1]
Time: May 9, 2024 09:00-10:00 AM London
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86849126305
Meeting ID: 868 4912 630
Topic: Stigma and Discrimination Working Group Meeting [option 2]
Time: May 9, 2024 04:00 PM London
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81004729177
Meeting ID: 810 0472 9177
By Sue Baker, Taha Sabri and Judy Kariuki
Stigma and Discrimination Working Group Co-Chairs
