Head-ED Lesson 2: The stigma of mental health problems Learning Objectives: Understand what stigma means Be able to empathise why people with mental health problems may feel stigmatised  

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime

Look at your word wall. How have we just labelled 25% of our society?

Surveys show that stigma is real for people with mental health problems … 70% had had negative reactions regarding their mental health problems from friends It leads to depression – 26% of people say it makes them want to give up on life It stops people from seeking help, socialising and applying for jobs Figures taken from Time to Change

Helen Tom Georgie Agnes Rhiannon

In England, women are more likely than men to have a common mental health problem and are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders In the UK, 70 million days are lost from work each year due to mental ill health (i.e. anxiety, depression and stress related conditions), making it the leading cause of sickness absence

Studies have shown that the estimated risk of violence by people with mental health problems is around 3% 45% of people with mental health problems have been the victim of a crime in the past year 60% of people with mental health problems don’t tell their family and friends for over a year. Most of the 90% say they are too ashamed. 

Over 50% of people with mental health problems will not apply for a job or higher education due to the stigma of mental health problems.  Studies show roughly 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14.

Want to end mental health stigma? Visit http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/pledgewall and sign the pledge.