Almost a billion people are affected by a mental illness.
Experts speak out against stigmatization and give specific tips.
Stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses are perceived by many sufferers as worse than their illnesses
themselves
.
The panel calls for an end to stigma and discrimination against these people.
According to the experts, stigma and discrimination lead to the people affected being excluded from society – which is particularly tragic for young people with depression.
This also includes the possibility of being able to work without prejudice and to be able to take advantage of medical care, including psychological care.
World Mental Health Day: Less stigmatizing of people with depression
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Stigmatization and discrimination against mentally ill people are perceived by many of those affected as worse than the illness itself.
© Sina Schuldt/dpa
The experts believe that governments, employers, healthcare providers, schools and the media have a particular responsibility.
Overall, the experts make eight recommendations to tackle the problems.
These include the decriminalization of suicide, psychological training for health care workers and the development of guidelines for the correct portrayal of mental health in the media.
The most effective way to end stigma is not only to internalize certain tips against depression and anxiety, but also to bring people with and without mental illness together, according to the experts.
According to the report, it is estimated that nearly one billion people worldwide are affected by mental illness, which is one in eight people.
Depression: Young people are particularly vulnerable to stigma
Children and young people are particularly hard hit by the consequences of stigmatization, according to co-author Zeinab Hijazi, who works for the UN children's fund UNICEF.
"We know that fear of stigma and misunderstanding from family, teachers and peers can prevent adolescents with mental illness from seeking help," the expert is
quoted as saying in a statement by
The Lancet .
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According to the experts, it would be particularly important to act more in the interests of those affected, since the corona pandemic has led to an increase in mental illnesses.
"Urgent action is needed to prevent these people from also experiencing the potentially serious consequences of stigma and discrimination," says Charlene Sunkel.
The founder and executive director of the Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN) also contributed to the report.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
List of rubrics: © Sina Schuldt/dpa