Understanding mental health stigma and discrimination
Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs and misconceptions that people may have about mental health. It can lead to discrimination, exclusion, judgment and unfair treatment of people or communities due to mental health concerns or illness. Mental health stigma often stems from misunderstanding, fear or misinformation and can stand in the way when children and parents/caregivers need to seek support.
What the research tells us
- According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labelled.
- Mental health stigma can lead to silence, shame and isolation for children, youth and adults alike.
- School-based interventions have been shown to improve mental health literacy and reduce mental health stigma among children and young people.
Why this is important in schools
School is an ideal place for addressing stigma and discrimination around mental health. School staff and students spend time together every day, learning, sharing and building community. This makes schools natural spaces to promote mental health and reduce stigma.
When mental health stigma is reduced:
- Students are more likely to reach out for help when they need it.
- Peers show greater empathy and inclusion for one another.
- School staff feel more confident supporting students and discussing mental health.
- School culture shifts toward care, respect and understanding.
Breaking down mental health stigma is not about one-time awareness events; it’s about sustained, compassionate education and identity-affirming practice that normalizes mental health and well-being as part of everyday life.
It starts with you
As members of the school community, staff play a key role in shaping how mental health is understood and discussed. Your personal beliefs, language and actions send powerful messages to students. Reflecting on your own assumptions and experiences is an important first step.
Consider:
- What messages did I grow up hearing about mental health?
- How do those beliefs influence how I respond to students and communities today?
- How do biases regarding identities impact my thoughts about mental health?
- How can I keep learning and growing my understanding?
- Do I unintentionally use phrases or terms that perpetuate stigma about mental health?
Engaging in your own ongoing self-reflection and building your mental health literacy helps you recognize bias, challenge stereotypes and model openness and empathy.
Professional learning like MH LIT: Mental Health in Action can help you strengthen your understanding and confidence in this area, so you can be an effective ally for students and colleagues.
Raise awareness and build understanding
Reducing stigma related to mental illnesses is important, but it requires more than awareness. It takes consistent, intentional learning and conversation. Research shows that mental health stigma-reduction efforts are most effective when they are:
- tailored to the audience rather than one-size-fits-all
- ongoing and integrated into daily mental health promotion activities, not isolated one-time events
- part of class discussions or small-group sessions, rather than large assemblies
- supported by a school-wide strategy, where mental health promotion, literacy and student leadership are part of daily practice
Our decision support tools may help you assess and select mental health awareness and stigma-reduction activities for your setting.
Identity + stigma
Stigma does not affect everyone equally. As a result of systemic racism, discrimination and marginalization, some students may face additional barriers and stigma when they seek mental health support. Understanding how identity and experiences of inequity intersect with stigma helps school staff respond with compassion and awareness.
Culturally-responsive and identity-affirming school mental health means:
- recognizing that stigma may be experienced differently by individuals and communities
- addressing bias and systemic barriers that prevent access to help
- ensuring resources and practices used to promote mental health are identity affirming and representative of students
- partnership with families, communities and organizations with unique experiences in equity, reconciliation and mental wellness to amplify a range of strengths and perspectives.
When schools approach stigma reduction through an identity-affirming lens, they create welcoming and supportive spaces for all students to discuss mental health without fear or shame.
Building a compassionate culture
A school community that values openness and compassion helps dismantle stigma every day. School staff can foster this school culture by:
- modeling inclusive and respectful language when it comes to mental health and stigma
- challenging stereotypes and misinformation when they arise
- integrating mental health learning into everyday classroom discussions and activities
- amplifying the perspectives and experiences of those who are marginalized
- encouraging kindness, connection and help-seeking as part of school life
- supporting mental health learning and well-being for families
Together, these actions help create schools where mental health is understood rather than judged, and where every student feels valued and supported.
Resources to support mental health stigma reduction
CMHA. (2025, June 3). *Stigma remains a barrier to mental health care with 60% of people not seeking help for fear of being labelled*. Canadian Mental Health Association. https://cmha.ca/news/stigma-remains-a-barrier-to-mental-health-care-with-60-of-people-not-seeking-help-for-fear-of-being-labelled/
Opening Minds. (2025, November 18). *Opening Minds — Workplace mental health training*. https://openingminds.org/?source=mhcc
CAMH. (n.d.). *Stigma: Understanding the impact of prejudice and discrimination*. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/stigma