Stigma and mental illness

The national survey of people with a mental illness found that three-quarters of respondents had experienced stigma by health and government workers, through media reporting, in the workplace and in the general community. Respondents were optimistic that stigma could be reduced, making suggestions for a whole range of initiatives in the community. Addressing the issue of stigma in the media was seen as the most urgent priority, reflecting the enormous influence of the media on community attitudes as a whole.