Stigma of Depression

The stigma of depression is nearly as difficult as the disease itself.It a topic that brings silence to a group, averted eyes, lowered heads and shuffling feet.Add to this a chorus of denial about the stigma of depression and you are certain that the subject of depression is taboo

Depression is a mental health issue , a no fault illness which can seriously impede the life of the sufferer. It can strike any gender race or creed. There are no class barriers and no favourites. It is an insidious illness and affects the physical, mental and spiritual areas of life.

It can immobilise a person, demotivate and cripple the mind within a short time frame. The duration of the illness is not time specific. The symptoms vary from person to person. The recovery is a mystery and depends on many factors including personality.

Where oh where did the stigma come from? It comes from people not familiar with the illness and not educated about the effects of depression on one’s life.The stigma is the result of people not accepting that the suffered cannot just pull himself together and get on with it. It arises from the fact that people believe depression is the outcome of a fragile mind. People believe that depression is shameful and should be hidden. In many cases the family of the patient are the biggest culprits. Henseforth the illness becomes mysterious, illusive, non specific and stigmatised.


The stigma of the disease is a separate issue but combined with the depression intensifies the symptons and impedes the recovery process. The patient is loathe to discuss the illness keeping it hidden and yes stigmatised. The vicious cycle is ongoing, with bouts of depressions, hiding the disease and deepening the stigma.

To curtail and impede the growth of the stigma there needs to be more openess and honesty. Education needs to start at a young age to ensure that the next generation’s perception of the disease improves. Early intervention to help the patient and family would be of great benefit, so that people are aware of what is happening as it evolves.


People will say that there is no longer stigma assosiated with depression. I dispute this and evidence points to the stigmatision factor.This needs to change and it begins with you and me.