Stigma and discrimination
We’re working to reduce stigma and discrimination so more people feel safe seeking help and talking about their mental health.
Understanding stigma and discrimination
Stigma happens when people are judged or treated unfairly because of their experiences, circumstances or personal characteristics.
It can affect people experiencing:
- mental health challenges
- alcohol and other drug issues
- suicide-related distress and bereavement.
Stigma can lead to negative attitudes, exclusion and discrimination in everyday life.
Stigma and discrimination can:
- affect wellbeing
- make it harder to seek support
- limit opportunities to work, study and take part in community life.
We’re working to change attitudes and behaviours so people can talk about mental health without fear of judgement.
Why reducing stigma and discrimination matters
Reducing stigma and discrimination helps create more inclusive communities.
It encourages respectful and supportive environments where people feel safe seeking help.
This is important in settings where positive attitudes and behaviours can improve access to support, such as:
- healthcare services
- schools
- workplaces
- community organisations.
Learn about people’s experiences of stigma and discrimination in Australia in the National Mental Health Commission’s National Stigma and Discrimination Report Card.
How we are reducing stigma and discrimination
We use public awareness campaigns, practical tools and community initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Our work helps people recognise, challenge and respond to stigma. It is shaped by research and co-designed with people with lived-living experience.
Workplace stigma
Stigma and discrimination can make it harder for people with lived-living experience of mental illness to:
- find a job
- stay in work
- progress in their careers.
Having meaningful work can support mental health and recovery. It can provide financial security, purpose, confidence, routine and opportunities to contribute to the community.
Our research found that stigma remains a common workplace issue for people with lived-living experience of mental illness.
We also found that many employers recognise the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing. However, some find it challenging to balance individual support needs with workplace requirements.
Workplace culture, leadership and recruitment practices can all shape a person's experience at work.
Opportunities to talk openly about mental health also play an important role.
Some people worry that disclosing a mental health condition could affect how they are treated or limit their career opportunities.
Creating workplaces where people can talk openly about mental health and seek support without fear of judgement is an important part of reducing stigma.
Ways to reduce workplace stigma include:
- strong leadership and positive workplace culture
- mental health education and training
- public awareness initiatives
- opportunities to learn from people with lived-living experience
- inclusive and psychologically safe workplace practices.
Read our Mental Health Stigma Reduction in the Workplace report.
Take practical steps to support a mentally healthy workplace with these resources:
- Mentally healthy workplaces toolkit (WorkSafe Queensland)
- Respectful and inclusive workplaces (Business Queensland)
- Mental Notes stigma awareness program (Comcare)
Build your knowledge with these free micro-credentials:
We’re committed to improving employment outcomes for people with lived-living experience through workforce development, workplace inclusion and broader system reform.
Learn about our lived-living experience programs and initiatives.
Supporting mental health reform
Our work to reduce stigma and discrimination builds on recommendations from the Queensland Parliament's Inquiry into opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders.
It supports the priorities of our whole-of-government strategies and plans.
The Queensland Government is funding our stigma reduction campaign through Better Care Together.
Related information
Learn about alcohol and other drugs stigma.
Learn about the impact of stigma on First Nations peoples.