Reducing stigma and discrimination

There is strong evidence that ethnic, race, sex, gender identity or sexuality-based discrimination causes ill health, especially mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Discrimination can also be a result of mental health conditions.

Key issues

People who experience depression and anxiety report significant discrimination associated with their mental health condition. This may occur in employment, education, health services, insurance and within personal relationships. This discrimination may be obvious and deliberate or it may be more subtle and unintended. It is unfair regardless.
Multiple forms of discrimination can increase the negative impacts of mental health – for example, some ethnic groups may already have difficulties in accessing the health care system because of language barriers, which are then heightened by the stigma and discrimination associated with having a mental health condition.

‘calling out’ the stigma and discrimination experienced by people affected by depression and anxiety so that is no longer ignored, expected or accepted.
challenging the discriminatory behaviour that adds to psychological distress by advocating for non-discriminating communities, systems, policies and institutions.

Download beyondblue’s stigma and discrimination position statement
Download beyondblue’s stigma and discrimination information paper
Download beyondblue’s depression and anxiety in gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex populations position statement
Learn more about beyondblue’s Stop. Think. Respect. campaign, which challenges everyone in Australia to check their behaviour, think about their actions and challenge discrimination when they see it happening
Learn more about beyondblue’s Discrimination in insurance project
Learn more about beyondblue’s work with men and reducing stigma.