Exploring perspectives of stigma and discrimination among people with lived experience of mental health conditions

A new paper by a group of authors from the The Lancet Commission on Ending Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health provides analysis on the survey the Commission did of people with lived experience (PWLE) from around the world and lessons learned.

The paper explains how individuals were surveyed in 6 languages across over 30 countries. It offers valuable insights into the experiences and reflections of stigma and discrimination related to mental health.

Building on the Commission’s report, this paper includes a co-production analysis, involving more peer researchers as co-authors, and presents the final results reflecting five combined themes. It concludes the co-production design of the survey, alongside the inclusion of PWLE throughout the research, represents good practice in having a peer-led focus on inquiry, centred on the voices of those directly affected by mental health-related stigma and discrimination. 

The paper therefore summarises the experiences shared by PWLE, offering a deep dive into how stigma and discrimination affect their lives and what actions should be taken. 

So what’s next?

Mental health research funders, and mental health researchers, need to:

• Ensure co-production design with PWLE and the inclusion of PWLE in all research.
• Acknowledge the impact stigma and discrimination has on PWLE around the world 
• Address stigma and discrimination through working with PWLE to design and deliver on effective strategies

Journalists and media organisations need to:

• Learn more about mental health and how to report responsibly
• Remove stigmatising content
• Issue policy statements and action plans on how they will actively promote mental health and consistently contribute to the reduction of stigma and discrimination

Learn more about the Lancet Commission on Ending Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health here.