Stigma involves assigning certain beliefs, values and judgments at a certain group of people based on assumptions involving a range of myths, prejudices and stereotypes (Sane Australia, 2018).
We encourage you to help change this story and work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma.
What is stigma?
Stigma happens when social norms endorse negative stereotypes and prejudices, resulting in discrimination against people due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, occupation, social economic status, health condition or disability amoung others.
The impact of stigma:
- Discrimination
- Reduced life opportunities and increased social inequalities resulting in:
- social isolation
- poorer quality housing
- reduced employment & education
- poorer mental wellbeing
- make it harder for people to ask for help
What are the 3 types of stigma?
- Social Stigma – is the devaluing of an individual or group based on certain characteristics as less than others
(Corrigan, 1998; Link & Phelan, 2001, 2006; Hatzenbuehler, Phelan, & Link, 2013) - Self-Stigma – Self-stigma happens when a person internalizes public stigma and discrimination
- (Corrigan, 1998; Link & Phelan, 2001, 2006; Hatzenbuehler, Phelan, & Link, 2013)
- Structural Stigma – is societal-level conditions and norms that are negatively impact stigmatised individuals or groups. These can be enacted in public policy (national and local laws and policies), reduce public funding allocations to certain programs and services, and result in lower wages being paid for certain occupations.
(Stang & al, 2019)(Heijnders M, 2006; 11 (3): 353-63).
Everyone has a role to play when it comes to creating a healthy community environment.
We encourage you to help change this story and work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma.
Here are some tips on how our community can help change the story and reduce stigma:
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If you hear negative stereotypes or misinformation, speak up and defend it. Set the record straight.
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Treat all people with respect and dignity. Don’t judge, label or discriminate.
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Be mindful of the words you use, avoid using insensitive and hurtful words.
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And if you feel comfortable, tell your story. You can choose what and how much you reveal, but the more people who know someone experiencing stigma the greater chance of reducing the stigma.
(Victoria State Government, 2020; Healthdirect 2021)
Unite together with the hashtag #iamlistening and contribute to the reduction in negative stereotypes and harmful impact of stigma.
Together, we can improve health and wellbeing and reduce stigma in our community.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have participated and invested their time in to the making of the Anti Stigma campaign
Ideas Agency – We would like to thank Ideas Agency for bringing our vision to life.
Community led working group – The Anti Stigma Campaign would not have been possible without our community led working group. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those involved. The working group steered the concept and content of the Anti StigmaCampaign and their involvement has led to the development of a powerful campaign to raise awareness and spread kindness within our community.
The Health Promotion at Ideas Agency on filming day, March 2021.
If any of this information has caused you distress please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 for immediate counselling assistance.
We have developed some resources to download and share. Raise awareness of the impact of stigma within your community with these resources.
Fact sheets coming soon…
For more information about the Anti Stigma campaign, contact
