What has not been effective in reducing stigma

Abstract

Persons with mental and emotional disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. About one in four persons will suffer from a mental condition in their lifetime, and almost one million people die by suicide every year, with suicide being the third cause of death among the young. Depression is the most important cause of years lost to disability, and it is the third leading cause in the global burden of disease. Despite decades of mental health reform, in part aimed at the reduction of stigma, people with mental and psychosocial disabilities still experience significant economic, social and political inequities (Arboleda-Flórez 2001). This chapter will examine some of the current thinking related to stigma reduction and human rights that have acted as impediments to structural reforms designed to promote social inclusion of people with mental illnesses.