The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change

Millions of people and their families are affected by mental illness. Although we have begun to understand and develop a range of effective treatments, public attitudes are still more negative than they were half a century ago. Mental illness tops the list of stigmatized conditions in today's society, generating the kinds of stereotypes, fear and rejection that are reminiscent of reactions toward leprosy. This rampant stigmatization has created family silence, discriminatory laws and social isolation. The pain of mental illness is searing enough, but adding the layer of stigma affects personal well being, economic productivity and public health, fueling a vicious cycle of lowered expectations, deep shame and hopelessness. In this groundbreaking book, Stephen Hinshaw examines our longstanding tendency to stigmatize those with mental illness and provides practical strategies for overcoming this serious problem. The result is a deeply inspiring and passionate work that is realistic and filled with hope. It combines personal accounts with information from social and evolutionary psychology, sociology, and public policy to provide messages that are essential for anyone afflicted or familiar with mental illness.