{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","path":"/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","title":"The Stigma of Mental Illness","family":"Journal detail","description":"Discover the prevalence of mental health stigma in the US, including misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","wordpressId":"5826","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[],"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:56Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T20:23:51Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal\">Journal</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">The Stigma of Mental Illness</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page wp-imported\"><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>The Stigma of Mental Illness</h1><p class=\"article-inline-credits\">Updated <time datetime=\"2025-08-25T20:23:51Z\">August 25, 2025</time></p></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout bounded-page-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg\" alt=\"The Stigma of Mental Illness — report illustration\" width=\"800\" height=\"867\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/b1894befe6ed0af7b27544f4.webp 480w, /assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"></figure><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><p>In America, 1 out of 5 adults is living with a mental illness.</p>\n<p>Despite the prevalence of <a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/depression\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-editorial-link=\"376\">depression</a> and <a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/anxiety\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-editorial-link=\"376\">anxiety</a> disorders, the “stigma” of mental illness can prevent people from reaching out and getting the help they need, even from their own families. In fact, <a href=\"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" class=\"article-inline-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">approximately 60 percent</a> of adults with a mental illness don’t receive any mental health services.</p>\n<p>For practical next steps, explore the National Institute of Mental Health’s <a href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" data-editorial-link=\"376\">guide to finding mental health support</a>.</p><p>So, what contributes to the stigma surrounding mental illness? The list is long, but one of the biggest factors is misinformation about mental health conditions and those who suffer from them. </p><p>A <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">survey published in 2015</a> found that only 7% of respondents from developed countries believed that mental illness could be overcome. With these kinds of misconceptions, it’s easy to see why stigma surrounding mental health is rampant.</p>\n<p>We wanted to find out which U.S. regions and demographics have the best understanding of the reality of mental illness, so we surveyed over 2,000 people to find out where they rank themselves when it comes to accurate information on the topic. Take a look at our results below.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mental-illness-in-the-u-s-informed-vs-uninformed\">Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8897\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"867\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/b1894befe6ed0af7b27544f4.webp 480w, /assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"></figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/605cc9fc088a941642544914.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8898\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\"></figure>\n<p>When we asked survey participants to rate how informed they were about mental illness on a scale of 1 (least informed) to 5 (most informed), the average response was 3.5, meaning that <strong>the average person considers himself or herself only slightly informed about mental illness</strong>.</p>\n<p><strong>Mississippi came in at the high end of the spectrum with an average of 4.2,</strong>, considering itself the most knowledgeable state on the subject of mental illness; however, when it comes to access to mental health care considered alongside the prevalence of mental illness, Mississippi ranks 43rd in the nation: the state <a class=\"article-inline-link\" href=\"https://www.doa.la.gov/media/atqdb3ew/09a_department_of_health_and_hospitals.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com#page=48\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">spent about $56 per capita</a> in fiscal year 2013 on mental health services.</p>\n<p>On the flipside, South Dakota, which ranked itself the least knowledgeable state, is actually in the top 10 when it comes to treatment for mental health. </p><p>And while it’s possible that Mississippians really are the most informed, another explanation may be the <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10626367/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dunning-Kruger effect</a>, which demonstrates that those who are the worst at something are also the worst at estimating their own ability (i.e., they think they’re much better than they are).</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perception-of-self-and-others\">Perception of Self and Others</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/593b38edc9e777b65fe036fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8899\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"925\"></figure>\n<p>When asked about their own knowledge of mental illness, 55 percent of respondents believe themselves to be at least slightly informed on the topic. </p><p>When asked about other people’s knowledge, however, only 9 percent of those surveyed feel that their neighbors are informed about mental illness. This leaves a staggering <strong>46 percent gap in perception</strong> and implies that people simply aren’t talking about mental illness enough to really rate themselves, or others, accurately.</p>\n<p>And if that discrepancy in perception seems large to you, consider that a study published by the CDC found something similar: While 57 percent of adults believed that people were caring and sympathetic to persons with mental illness, only 25 percent of adults suffering from mental illness felt that people were caring and sympathetic to them. </p><p>The takeaway? Whether you can point to the Dunning-Kruger effect or not, it’s clear that people tend to overestimate their abilities and knowledge when it comes to the reality of mental health in this country.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"perception-of-mental-illness-by-age-range\">Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/273fbdac0eb0d6fc2dc96809.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8900\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\"></figure>\n<p>Breaking the data down by age, older generations tend to rate themselves as less informed than younger ones. Sixty-three percent of 18 to 24-year-olds believe themselves to be at least slightly informed on mental illness, and just 48 percent of those 55 and older feel the same way. </p><p>While there could be many explanations for this, one may be the <strong>shift in the way successive generations have viewed mental illness</strong>. <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3835659/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">In the 1950s</a>, people tended to consider only very obvious conditions like psychosis as a mental illness; illnesses like depression weren’t distinguished from just ordinary unhappiness. </p><p>But over time, as America made progress in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical technology (e.g. brain scans, mobile and web platforms, etc.), the subtlety and distinction of mental illness was able to be more fully recognized. These advancements may have come with a greater knowledge and decreased stigma.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"talking-about-mental-illness\">Talking About Mental Illness</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/df7fcd20c97e703cc1d3b890.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8901\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"962\"></figure>\n<p>When asked to consider their comfort level in discussing their own mental health with friends, family, and employers, respondents reported being mostly uncomfortable. Fifty-six percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to friends and family about it, and 84 percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to their employer. </p><p>Although we would all hope that those closest to us would be kind about our condition, the fact that <a href=\"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" class=\"article-inline-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">26 percent of adults living in homeless shelters have a history of mental illness</a> seems to indicate that not everyone has the support they need.</p>\n<p>Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers with qualifying mental health conditions are protected from disability discrimination. Employers may need to provide reasonable accommodations that help a person perform essential job duties, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains these workplace rights. <a href=\"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">workplace rights</a>.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-age-influence-mental-health-discussions\">Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/6b6b5b8934970e8bbf57fb96.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8902\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"593\"></figure>\n<p>Despite being the same group that rated themselves least knowledgeable on the subject of mental illness, <strong>individuals 55 and older are most likely to talk to friends and family about their own health</strong>. </p><p>On the other hand, respondents ages 18 to 24 are the least likely to feel comfortable discussing their mental health with loved ones, despite the fact that the <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">average onset age</a> for many disorders falls in that range. </p><p>But <strong>the younger crowd was also the <i>most</i> likely to discuss their mental health with an employer</strong>, perhaps demonstrating the fact that millennials, unlike some earlier generations, tend to <a href=\"https://faculty.knox.edu/fmcandre/Millennials_in_the_Workplace.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" class=\"article-inline-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">value their personal well-being more than their careers</a> and strive for more mutual respect in the workplace.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stigmatizing-mental-health\">Stigmatizing Mental Health</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/211259739e080c1ad9cfbcf4.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8903\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1032\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/643eb2e651629fe860ced98a.webp 480w, /assets/optimized/211259739e080c1ad9cfbcf4.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"></figure>\n<p>Detailed survey questions on the stigmas surrounding mental illness demonstrate that we still have a long way to go as a society. <strong>Fifteen percent of respondents label people with mental illness as “a burden to society</strong>,” and 18 percent disagreed with the statement that people with mental illness are less dangerous than generally supposed.</p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/de5d9433e67604f9ff43c5bf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8904\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\"></figure>\n<p>Other studies throughout the years have also shown a connection between mental illness and our perception of danger and violence. A longitudinal study showed that the percentage of Americans who described mental illness in conjunction with violent behavior nearly doubled over the span of the 46-year-long study. </p><p>And a 1999 report showed that 60 percent of characters on TV who were depicted as having a mental illness were also depicted as being involved in crime or violence. In actuality, individuals struggling with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators, and the link between mental health and violence is small.</p>\n<p>Another strong statistic: 67 percent of people polled believe there are insufficient existing services for people with mental illness. And they’re likely right. </p><p><a href=\"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" class=\"article-inline-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study</a>, only about 40 percent of adults and 50 percent of children with mental illness actually received treatment; another source indicates that African-Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services about half as often as Caucasians. </p><p>Despite nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they think mental health services are insufficient, only <a href=\"https://stateline.org/2014/12/15/some-states-retreat-on-mental-health-funding/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" class=\"article-inline-link\" target=\"_blank\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">30 out of 51 states</a> (including Washington D.C.) increased spending on mental health services for the 2015 fiscal year. <strong>Other states, such as Rhode Island, cut their mental health budgets by as much as $33 million</strong>.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"has-social-media-increased-or-decreased-mental-illness-stigma\">Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma?</h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/fc2673c26752d6c6efda3b44.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8905\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"931\"></figure>\n<p>Lastly, we asked respondents about everyone’s favorite topic – social media – and the results are mixed. 43 percent of those surveyed feel that social media has increased the incidence of mental illness (only 3 percent believe it has helped to decrease the problem). </p><p>There may be evidence to suggest that they’re right, including <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">studies</a> that show a connection between internet and social media usage and suicidal behavior. Other reports posit that adolescents can suffer from something called “<a href=\"https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/127/4/800/65133/The-Impact-of-Social-Media-on-Children-Adolescents?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-link-follow=\"true\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook depression</a>,” which is standard depression that is triggered when teens spend an excessive amount of time on social media.</p>\n<p>When it comes to stigma, however, the jury is still very much out: roughly equal numbers of respondents believe that the use of social media increased and decreased the level of stigma associated with mental illness. </p><p>And both could be right -- social media can be a very powerful tool in spreading awareness and in helping people feel that they’re not alone, but it can also be abused and used for cyberbullying and the spreading of misinformation or stereotypes.</p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\">Methodology</h2>\n<p>We surveyed 2,053 respondents from the United States on questions relating to mental health and the stigma that surrounds it. 1,193 respondents identified as male, with 860 respondents identifying as female. States represented by fewer than five respondents were omitted from map results.</p><section class=\"article-references article-sources\" id=\"references\" data-reference-list=\"\" data-reference-style=\"author-date-title-source\"><h2 id=\"references-2\">References</h2><ol><li id=\"mental-health-numbers-nami\" value=\"1\" data-reference-number=\"1\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI.</em> (n.d.). <a href=\"https://www.nami.org/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">NAMI</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"mental-health-numbers-nami-source\" value=\"2\" data-reference-number=\"2\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI.</em> (n.d.). <a href=\"https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">NAMI</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"survey-results-php\" value=\"3\" data-reference-number=\"3\" data-reference-format=\"393\">Mental Health Connection. (n.d.). <em class=\"reference-title\">[Survey results page].</em> <span class=\"reference-note\">The original survey page is no longer available. The survey title, authors, and publication date could not be verified.</span></li><li id=\"contentdisplay-cfm\" value=\"4\" data-reference-number=\"4\" data-reference-format=\"393\">www2.nami.org. (n.d.). <em class=\"reference-title\">[Referenced web resource].</em> <a href=\"https://www2.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=93503&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">NAMI</a>.</li><li id=\"more-inept-you-smarter-you-think-you\" value=\"5\" data-reference-number=\"5\" data-reference-format=\"393\">Tom Stafford. (2013). <em class=\"reference-title\">The more inept you are the smarter you think you are.</em> BBC. <a href=\"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20131125-why-the-stupid-say-theyre-smart?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">bbc.com</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"mental-illness\" value=\"6\" data-reference-number=\"6\" data-reference-format=\"393\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). <em class=\"reference-title\">[Mental illness data and statistics page].</em> <span class=\"reference-note\">The original page is no longer available. This description is based on its original URL; the exact title and publication date could not be verified.</span></li><li id=\"crimeandjustice-org\" value=\"7\" data-reference-number=\"7\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">[Referenced web resource].</em> (n.d.). crimeandjustice.org. <a href=\"http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=54&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">crimeandjustice.org</a>. Accessed October 5 2026.</li><li id=\"supportedemployment-yourrightsfs\" value=\"8\" data-reference-number=\"8\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.</em> (2016). Depression, PTSD, &amp; Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights. <a href=\"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">eeoc.gov</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"current-opinion-psychiatry-20\" value=\"9\" data-reference-number=\"9\" data-reference-format=\"393\">Kessler RC, Amminger GP, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Lee S, &amp; Ustün TB. (2007). <em class=\"reference-title\">Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature.</em> Current opinion in psychiatry, 20(4), 359-364. <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">PubMed</a>.</li><li id=\"multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request\" value=\"10\" data-reference-number=\"10\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">Multigenerational Impacts Research Report Request.</em> (n.d.). <a href=\"https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business/multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">bentley.edu</a>. Accessed October 10 2026.</li><li id=\"facts-violence-php\" value=\"11\" data-reference-number=\"11\" data-reference-format=\"393\">University of Washington. (n.d.). <em class=\"reference-title\">[Mental Health Reporting: Facts about mental illness and violence].</em> <span class=\"reference-note\">The original page is no longer available. This description identifies its subject and publisher; the exact original title and publication date could not be verified.</span></li><li id=\"american-journal-public-health-102\" value=\"12\" data-reference-number=\"12\" data-reference-format=\"393\">David D Luxton, Jennifer D June, &amp; Jonathan M Fairall. (2012). <em class=\"reference-title\">Social Media and Suicide: A Public Health Perspective.</em> American Journal of Public Health, 102(Suppl 2). <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">PubMed Central</a>. Accessed October 5 2026.</li><li id=\"pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov\" value=\"13\" data-reference-number=\"13\" data-reference-format=\"393\"><em class=\"reference-title\">[Referenced web resource].</em> (n.d.). PubMed. <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=libra&amp;utm_content=external_resource&amp;utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&amp;utm_source=mentalhealth.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" class=\"reference-source\">PubMed</a>. Accessed October 5 2026.</li></ol></section></article><section class=\"article-about article-contributors-panel\" aria-label=\"Article contributors\"></section></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-illness-in-the-u-s-informed-vs-uninformed\" title=\"Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed\" aria-label=\"Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed\">Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-self-and-others\" title=\"Perception of Self and Others\" aria-label=\"Perception of Self and Others\">Perception of Self and Others</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-mental-illness-by-age-range\" title=\"Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range\" aria-label=\"Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range\">Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#talking-about-mental-illness\" title=\"Talking About Mental Illness\" aria-label=\"Talking About Mental Illness\">Talking About Mental Illness</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#does-age-influence-mental-health-discussions\" title=\"Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?\" aria-label=\"Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?\">Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#stigmatizing-mental-health\" title=\"Stigmatizing Mental Health\" aria-label=\"Stigmatizing Mental Health\">Stigmatizing Mental Health</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#has-social-media-increased-or-decreased-mental-illness-stigma\" title=\"Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma?\" aria-label=\"Social media and mental illness stigma\">Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma?</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#methodology\" title=\"Methodology\" aria-label=\"Methodology\">Methodology</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#references-2\" title=\"References\" aria-label=\"References\">References</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle=\"\" aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-end\" aria-label=\"Related community\"><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/mental-health\" class=\"card-identity-photo\" aria-label=\"Mental Health\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e0a5f5b329d9a4316bb7a478.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1774\" height=\"887\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/05a7b9f4dd5463c409854a2e.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/e0a5f5b329d9a4316bb7a478.webp 1774w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 961px) 236px, calc(100vw - 80px)\"></a><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related community</p><h2><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/mental-health\">Mental Health</a></h2><p>A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.</p></section></aside></div></div><div class=\"article-endmatter\"></div></div>","text":"Home Journal The Stigma of Mental Illness The Stigma of Mental Illness Updated August 25, 2025 In America, 1 out of 5 adults is living with a mental illness. Despite the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders, the “stigma” of mental illness can prevent people from reaching out and getting the help they need, even from their own families. In fact, approximately 60 percent of adults with a mental illness don’t receive any mental health services. For practical next steps, explore the National Institute of Mental Health’s guide to finding mental health support. So, what contributes to the stigma surrounding mental illness? The list is long, but one of the biggest factors is misinformation about mental health conditions and those who suffer from them. A survey published in 2015 found that only 7% of respondents from developed countries believed that mental illness could be overcome. With these kinds of misconceptions, it’s easy to see why stigma surrounding mental health is rampant. We wanted to find out which U.S. regions and demographics have the best understanding of the reality of mental illness, so we surveyed over 2,000 people to find out where they rank themselves when it comes to accurate information on the topic. Take a look at our results below. Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed When we asked survey participants to rate how informed they were about mental illness on a scale of 1 (least informed) to 5 (most informed), the average response was 3.5, meaning that the average person considers himself or herself only slightly informed about mental illness. Mississippi came in at the high end of the spectrum with an average of 4.2,, considering itself the most knowledgeable state on the subject of mental illness; however, when it comes to access to mental health care considered alongside the prevalence of mental illness, Mississippi ranks 43rd in the nation: the state spent about $56 per capita in fiscal year 2013 on mental health services. On the flipside, South Dakota, which ranked itself the least knowledgeable state, is actually in the top 10 when it comes to treatment for mental health. And while it’s possible that Mississippians really are the most informed, another explanation may be the Dunning-Kruger effect, which demonstrates that those who are the worst at something are also the worst at estimating their own ability (i.e., they think they’re much better than they are). Perception of Self and Others When asked about their own knowledge of mental illness, 55 percent of respondents believe themselves to be at least slightly informed on the topic. When asked about other people’s knowledge, however, only 9 percent of those surveyed feel that their neighbors are informed about mental illness. This leaves a staggering 46 percent gap in perception and implies that people simply aren’t talking about mental illness enough to really rate themselves, or others, accurately. And if that discrepancy in perception seems large to you, consider that a study published by the CDC found something similar: While 57 percent of adults believed that people were caring and sympathetic to persons with mental illness, only 25 percent of adults suffering from mental illness felt that people were caring and sympathetic to them. The takeaway? Whether you can point to the Dunning-Kruger effect or not, it’s clear that people tend to overestimate their abilities and knowledge when it comes to the reality of mental health in this country. Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range Breaking the data down by age, older generations tend to rate themselves as less informed than younger ones. Sixty-three percent of 18 to 24-year-olds believe themselves to be at least slightly informed on mental illness, and just 48 percent of those 55 and older feel the same way. While there could be many explanations for this, one may be the shift in the way successive generations have viewed mental illness. In the 1950s, people tended to consider only very obvious conditions like psychosis as a mental illness; illnesses like depression weren’t distinguished from just ordinary unhappiness. But over time, as America made progress in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical technology (e.g. brain scans, mobile and web platforms, etc.), the subtlety and distinction of mental illness was able to be more fully recognized. These advancements may have come with a greater knowledge and decreased stigma. Talking About Mental Illness When asked to consider their comfort level in discussing their own mental health with friends, family, and employers, respondents reported being mostly uncomfortable. Fifty-six percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to friends and family about it, and 84 percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to their employer. Although we would all hope that those closest to us would be kind about our condition, the fact that 26 percent of adults living in homeless shelters have a history of mental illness seems to indicate that not everyone has the support they need. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers with qualifying mental health conditions are protected from disability discrimination. Employers may need to provide reasonable accommodations that help a person perform essential job duties, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains these workplace rights. workplace rights. Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions? Despite being the same group that rated themselves least knowledgeable on the subject of mental illness, individuals 55 and older are most likely to talk to friends and family about their own health. On the other hand, respondents ages 18 to 24 are the least likely to feel comfortable discussing their mental health with loved ones, despite the fact that the average onset age for many disorders falls in that range. But the younger crowd was also the most likely to discuss their mental health with an employer, perhaps demonstrating the fact that millennials, unlike some earlier generations, tend to value their personal well-being more than their careers and strive for more mutual respect in the workplace. Stigmatizing Mental Health Detailed survey questions on the stigmas surrounding mental illness demonstrate that we still have a long way to go as a society. Fifteen percent of respondents label people with mental illness as “a burden to society,” and 18 percent disagreed with the statement that people with mental illness are less dangerous than generally supposed. Other studies throughout the years have also shown a connection between mental illness and our perception of danger and violence. A longitudinal study showed that the percentage of Americans who described mental illness in conjunction with violent behavior nearly doubled over the span of the 46-year-long study. And a 1999 report showed that 60 percent of characters on TV who were depicted as having a mental illness were also depicted as being involved in crime or violence. In actuality, individuals struggling with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of crime than the perpetrators, and the link between mental health and violence is small. Another strong statistic: 67 percent of people polled believe there are insufficient existing services for people with mental illness. And they’re likely right. According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study, only about 40 percent of adults and 50 percent of children with mental illness actually received treatment; another source indicates that African-Americans and Hispanic Americans used mental health services about half as often as Caucasians. Despite nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they think mental health services are insufficient, only 30 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) increased spending on mental health services for the 2015 fiscal year. Other states, such as Rhode Island, cut their mental health budgets by as much as $33 million. Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma? Lastly, we asked respondents about everyone’s favorite topic – social media – and the results are mixed. 43 percent of those surveyed feel that social media has increased the incidence of mental illness (only 3 percent believe it has helped to decrease the problem). There may be evidence to suggest that they’re right, including studies that show a connection between internet and social media usage and suicidal behavior. Other reports posit that adolescents can suffer from something called “Facebook depression,” which is standard depression that is triggered when teens spend an excessive amount of time on social media. When it comes to stigma, however, the jury is still very much out: roughly equal numbers of respondents believe that the use of social media increased and decreased the level of stigma associated with mental illness. And both could be right -- social media can be a very powerful tool in spreading awareness and in helping people feel that they’re not alone, but it can also be abused and used for cyberbullying and the spreading of misinformation or stereotypes. Methodology We surveyed 2,053 respondents from the United States on questions relating to mental health and the stigma that surrounds it. 1,193 respondents identified as male, with 860 respondents identifying as female. States represented by fewer than five respondents were omitted from map results. References Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026. Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026. Mental Health Connection. (n.d.). [Survey results page]. The original survey page is no longer available. The survey title, authors, and publication date could not be verified. www2.nami.org. (n.d.). [Referenced web resource]. NAMI. Tom Stafford. (2013). The more inept you are the smarter you think you are. BBC. bbc.com. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). [Mental illness data and statistics page]. The original page is no longer available. This description is based on its original URL; the exact title and publication date could not be verified. [Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). crimeandjustice.org. crimeandjustice.org. Accessed October 5 2026. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2016). Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights. eeoc.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. Kessler RC, Amminger GP, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Lee S, & Ustün TB. (2007). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current opinion in psychiatry, 20(4), 359-364. PubMed. Multigenerational Impacts Research Report Request. (n.d.). bentley.edu. Accessed October 10 2026. University of Washington. (n.d.). [Mental Health Reporting: Facts about mental illness and violence]. The original page is no longer available. This description identifies its subject and publisher; the exact original title and publication date could not be verified. David D Luxton, Jennifer D June, & Jonathan M Fairall. (2012). Social Media and Suicide: A Public Health Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 102(Suppl 2). PubMed Central. Accessed October 5 2026. [Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). PubMed. PubMed. Accessed October 5 2026. Table of contentsChoose a section Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed Perception of Self and Others Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range Talking About Mental Illness Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions? Stigmatizing Mental Health Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma? Methodology References View more Related community Mental Health A shared space to explore mental well-being, everyday experiences, and connection.","wordCount":1841},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Journal","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Stigma of Mental Illness","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg","width":800,"height":867,"encodingFormat":"image/jpeg","caption":"The Stigma of Mental Illness — report illustration"},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","headline":"The Stigma of Mental Illness","description":"Discover the prevalence of mental health stigma in the US, including misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.","wordCount":1485,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Journal","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.nami.org/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Mental Health Connection. (n.d.). [Survey results page]. The original survey page is no longer available. The survey title, authors, and publication date could not be verified."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"www2.nami.org. (n.d.). [Referenced web resource]. NAMI.","url":"https://www2.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=93503&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Tom Stafford. (2013). The more inept you are the smarter you think you are. BBC. bbc.com. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20131125-why-the-stupid-say-theyre-smart?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). [Mental illness data and statistics page]. The original page is no longer available. This description is based on its original URL; the exact title and publication date could not be verified."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"[Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). crimeandjustice.org. crimeandjustice.org. Accessed October 5 2026.","url":"http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=54&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2016). Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights. eeoc.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Kessler RC, Amminger GP, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Lee S, & Ustün TB. (2007). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current opinion in psychiatry, 20(4), 359-364. PubMed.","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Multigenerational Impacts Research Report Request. (n.d.). bentley.edu. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business/multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"University of Washington. (n.d.). [Mental Health Reporting: Facts about mental illness and violence]. The original page is no longer available. This description identifies its subject and publisher; the exact original title and publication date could not be verified."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"David D Luxton, Jennifer D June, & Jonathan M Fairall. (2012). Social Media and Suicide: A Public Health Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 102(Suppl 2). PubMed Central. Accessed October 5 2026.","url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"[Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). PubMed. PubMed. Accessed October 5 2026.","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:56Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T20:23:51Z"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#webpage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","name":"The Stigma of Mental Illness","description":"Discover the prevalence of mental health stigma in the US, including misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal#webpage"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#article"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:56Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T20:23:51Z"}]},"representations":{"html":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","json":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness.json","jsonLd":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e4f6b3434cacf6587e8d537e.jpg","alt":"The Stigma of Mental Illness — report illustration","width":800,"height":867},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/605cc9fc088a941642544914.webp","alt":"","width":200,"height":300},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/593b38edc9e777b65fe036fd.jpg","alt":"","width":800,"height":925},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/273fbdac0eb0d6fc2dc96809.jpg","alt":"","width":800,"height":560},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/df7fcd20c97e703cc1d3b890.jpg","alt":"","width":800,"height":962},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/6b6b5b8934970e8bbf57fb96.jpg","alt":"","width":800,"height":593},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/211259739e080c1ad9cfbcf4.webp","alt":"","width":800,"height":1032},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/de5d9433e67604f9ff43c5bf.jpg","alt":"","width":200,"height":300},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/fc2673c26752d6c6efda3b44.jpg","alt":"","width":800,"height":931},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/e0a5f5b329d9a4316bb7a478.webp","alt":"","width":1774,"height":887}],"sections":[{"id":"mental-illness-in-the-u-s-informed-vs-uninformed","title":"Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-illness-in-the-u-s-informed-vs-uninformed"},{"id":"perception-of-self-and-others","title":"Perception of Self and Others","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-self-and-others"},{"id":"perception-of-mental-illness-by-age-range","title":"Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-mental-illness-by-age-range"},{"id":"talking-about-mental-illness","title":"Talking About Mental Illness","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#talking-about-mental-illness"},{"id":"does-age-influence-mental-health-discussions","title":"Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#does-age-influence-mental-health-discussions"},{"id":"stigmatizing-mental-health","title":"Stigmatizing Mental Health","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#stigmatizing-mental-health"},{"id":"has-social-media-increased-or-decreased-mental-illness-stigma","title":"Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma?","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#has-social-media-increased-or-decreased-mental-illness-stigma"},{"id":"methodology","title":"Methodology","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#methodology"},{"id":"references-2","title":"References","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#references-2"}],"references":[{"number":1,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-health-numbers-nami","text":"Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.nami.org/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"}],"url":"https://www.nami.org/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":2,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-health-numbers-nami-source","text":"Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI. (n.d.). NAMI. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"}],"url":"https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":3,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#survey-results-php","text":"Mental Health Connection. (n.d.). [Survey results page]. The original survey page is no longer available. The survey title, authors, and publication date could not be verified.","links":[]},{"number":4,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#contentdisplay-cfm","text":"www2.nami.org. (n.d.). [Referenced web resource]. NAMI.","links":[{"url":"https://www2.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=93503&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"}],"url":"https://www2.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=93503&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":5,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#more-inept-you-smarter-you-think-you","text":"Tom Stafford. (2013). The more inept you are the smarter you think you are. BBC. bbc.com. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20131125-why-the-stupid-say-theyre-smart?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"bbc.com"}],"url":"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20131125-why-the-stupid-say-theyre-smart?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":6,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-illness","text":"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). [Mental illness data and statistics page]. The original page is no longer available. This description is based on its original URL; the exact title and publication date could not be verified.","links":[]},{"number":7,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#crimeandjustice-org","text":"[Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). crimeandjustice.org. crimeandjustice.org. Accessed October 5 2026.","links":[{"url":"http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=54&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"crimeandjustice.org"}],"url":"http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=54&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":8,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#supportedemployment-yourrightsfs","text":"U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2016). Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights. eeoc.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"eeoc.gov"}],"url":"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":9,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#current-opinion-psychiatry-20","text":"Kessler RC, Amminger GP, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Lee S, & Ustün TB. (2007). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current opinion in psychiatry, 20(4), 359-364. PubMed.","links":[{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"}],"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":10,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request","text":"Multigenerational Impacts Research Report Request. (n.d.). bentley.edu. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business/multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"bentley.edu"}],"url":"https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business/multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":11,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#facts-violence-php","text":"University of Washington. (n.d.). [Mental Health Reporting: Facts about mental illness and violence]. The original page is no longer available. This description identifies its subject and publisher; the exact original title and publication date could not be verified.","links":[]},{"number":12,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#american-journal-public-health-102","text":"David D Luxton, Jennifer D June, & Jonathan M Fairall. (2012). Social Media and Suicide: A Public Health Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 102(Suppl 2). PubMed Central. Accessed October 5 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed Central"}],"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":13,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov","text":"[Referenced web resource]. (n.d.). PubMed. PubMed. Accessed October 5 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"}],"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal","label":"Journal"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/depression","label":"depression"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/anxiety","label":"anxiety"},{"url":"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"approximately 60 percent"},{"url":"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"guide to finding mental health support"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"survey published in 2015"},{"url":"https://www.doa.la.gov/media/atqdb3ew/09a_department_of_health_and_hospitals.pdf?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com#page=48","label":"spent about $56 per capita"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10626367/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Dunning-Kruger effect"},{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3835659/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"In the 1950s"},{"url":"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"26 percent of adults living in homeless shelters have a history of mental illness"},{"url":"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"workplace rights"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"average onset age"},{"url":"https://faculty.knox.edu/fmcandre/Millennials_in_the_Workplace.pdf?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"value their personal well-being more than their careers"},{"url":"https://nami.unm.edu/orgfiles/Files/GeneralMHFacts.pdf?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study"},{"url":"https://stateline.org/2014/12/15/some-states-retreat-on-mental-health-funding/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"30 out of 51 states"},{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"studies"},{"url":"https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/127/4/800/65133/The-Impact-of-Social-Media-on-Children-Adolescents?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Facebook depression"},{"url":"https://www.nami.org/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"},{"url":"https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"},{"url":"https://www2.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=93503&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"NAMI"},{"url":"https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20131125-why-the-stupid-say-theyre-smart?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"bbc.com"},{"url":"http://www.crimeandjustice.org/councilinfo.cfm?pID=54&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"crimeandjustice.org"},{"url":"https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/depression-ptsd-other-mental-health-conditions-workplace-your-legal-rights?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"eeoc.gov"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17551351/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"},{"url":"https://www.bentley.edu/centers/center-for-women-and-business/multigenerational-impacts-research-report-request?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"bentley.edu"},{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3477910/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed Central"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26496017/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-journal-the-stigma-of-mental-illness&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#mental-illness-in-the-u-s-informed-vs-uninformed","label":"Mental Illness in the U.S.: Informed vs. Uninformed"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-self-and-others","label":"Perception of Self and Others"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#perception-of-mental-illness-by-age-range","label":"Perception of Mental Illness, by Age Range"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#talking-about-mental-illness","label":"Talking About Mental Illness"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#does-age-influence-mental-health-discussions","label":"Does Age Influence Mental Health Discussions?"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#stigmatizing-mental-health","label":"Stigmatizing Mental Health"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#has-social-media-increased-or-decreased-mental-illness-stigma","label":"Has Social Media Increased or Decreased Mental Illness Stigma?"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#methodology","label":"Methodology"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness#references-2","label":"References"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/mental-health","label":""},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/mental-health","label":"Mental Health"}],"seo":{"title":"The Stigma of Mental Illness | MentalHealth.com","description":"Discover the prevalence of mental health stigma in the US, including misconceptions and gaps in knowledge.","canonical":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/journal/the-stigma-of-mental-illness","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b41b503cd0ffa66cd43fe1fe.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Journal","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"journal"}},"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/mental-health","basis":"general mental health"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date references with italic work titles, publication details, linked source names, and documented access dates. Missing publication dates use n.d.","reviewer":null,"collections":[]}
