Measuring stigma: Attitudes towards social inclusion of people with mental illness within the community: In Fact

People who suffer from mental illness not only have to cope with the illness itself, but also with the public stigma and discrimination that is associated with these illnesses (Reavley & Jorm, 2012).

The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) contributes to the Like Minds, Like Mine programme to increase social inclusion and promote the reduction of stigma and discrimination for people who experience mental illness (Ministry of Health & Health Promotion Agency, 2014). HPA’s Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) monitors New Zealanders’ behaviour and attitudes towards a range of health topics, including mental health. This fact sheet reports on attitudes towards social inclusion of people with mental illness within the community.