Reducing stigma, emphasising humanity
- Written by: Lewis Macleod — Includem — Policy Officer
- Published: 30th June 2021

Lewis Macleod from includem shares his thoughts on the ALLIANCE Annual Conference session Reducing stigma, emphasising humanity.
*Please be aware this piece will touch on emotive topics such as addiction, suicidal ideation and mental health problems.
Tackling stigma is a central focus of public discussion around mental health. Large-scale awareness campaigns are encouraging people to talk more openly with family, friends, and health professionals alike. Open, empathetic discussion is undoubtedly vital in de-stigmatising mental health issues – but when people talk openly, do they then get the support and care they need? What are the barriers to access? And what are the solutions?
The Friday morning panel discussion at Equally Valued: Equally Connected, the ALLIANCE Annual Conference, considered these challenges with depth and nuance, featuring powerful contributions from Tommy Kelly and Martin Paterson, who shared their experiences of recovery from an eating disorder and gambling addiction respectively. See Me’s Wendy Halliday considered how far along the road Scotland really is on its journey to eliminating mental health stigma, and Shirley Windsor from Public Health Scotland reflected on the role of stigma in relation to suicide.
Wendy observed that while there has been a significant and positive shift in how mental health is framed in the media, this does not translate to an equivalent ‘sea change’ in how mental health is treated and supported. Some who do speak out say they don’t feel heard, that confidentiality isn’t respected, and that they can’t access the personalised services they need to heal.
Indeed, this reflects the experiences of young people and families we support at includem. Young people have told us they face various barriers to accessing care and support – from long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to an overly ‘clinical’ approach which does not meet their individual needs.
Shirley notes that those who have attempted suicide don’t always get the compassionate care they need from their GP or at A&E, asserting we must consider what professionals need so that they see patients as a ‘whole person’ – beyond just the issue that they are presenting with. For both Tommy and Martin, reaching out to their GP did not lead to appropriate care in the first instance, with Martin highlighting the need for more pathways to access gambling addiction support.
Considering the significant stigma still attached to men with eating disorders, Tommy reflects on how the secrecy, shame, and guilt that stigma both creates and exacerbates, serves to further fuel the illness itself. Through the lens of gambling addiction, Martin highlights the role of multi-million-pound corporations in perpetuating stigma, with industry giants eschewing responsibility by pushing a narrative of individual blame. Feelings of shame and guilt are also very common for those bereaved by suicide – with many left questioning whether they could have done something to prevent it, or if they had perhaps even contributed.
As the panelists made clear, there is no one single solution to ending stigma – particularly the ‘vicious cycle’ of self-stigma that prevents people accessing support in the first place. But ensuring that services are underpinned by a right-based, compassionate approach and are available and responsive when people do open up is vital.
But in order for services to be available and responsive, we must close the gap between policy ambition and practice reality. To achieve this, there must be increased investment in the workforce, including in education, training, and capacity building.
There was much to reflect upon after this thought-provoking panel discussion on stigma, but at the heart was this core message: awareness must lead to action, and talking openly must lead to treatment for anyone that needs it, when they need it.
For more information on includem, visit their website (this link will take you away from our website).
End of page.
You may also like:
Sustainable funding can unlock the transformative power of creative engagement for tackling stigma.
Continue readingTo build a positive culture of human rights, everyone needs to know and be aware of their rights.
Continue readingEveryone deserves a safe and affordable home - Scotland must act now to make housing a human right for all.
Continue reading'What Matters to You?' is a question that transforms live through kindness and compassion. Read the story of Napier House in Fife.
Continue readingHuman rights are the path to a fairer, stronger Scotland; each step we take today helps to shape our future.
Continue readingThe Charter of Rights for People who live with and experience issues around substance use is about to be launched.
Continue readingSimple GDP growth alone does not deliver a fair, human rights respecting society and public services.
Continue readingHeidi Tweedie, Jane Miller and Dr Patty Lozano-Casal reflect on the need to end mental health stigma and discrimination in healthcare.
Continue readingThe benefits of collaborative analysis approaches and why more should embark on this process.
Continue readingHilda Campbell shares COPE Scotland's thoughts and ideas for keeping well and improving your wellbeing during the winter months.
Continue readingAs the Self Management Network Scotland reaches 1,000 members, Joanne McCoy, Manager at MySelf-Management reflects on the network's value.
Continue readingJohn Watson, Associate Director of Stroke Association Scotland, shares how vital investment into stroke care is.
Continue readingInsecure, poor quality housing is making people ill and fuelling health inequalities in Scotland.
Continue readingDespite the recent concerns over the Scottish Human Rights Bill, the day felt insightful and optimistic.
Continue readingAfter gathering nominations to help identify an area, the Scottish Government has proposed a new National Park to be created in Galloway.
Continue readingLearn about the Partners in Integration programme delivered by Scottish Care to achieve a more cohesive and integrated care service.
Continue readingFuel poverty isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a public health issue that demands urgent attention.
Continue readingAt Glasgow’s Byres Community Hub, something special unfolds once a month on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm.
Continue readingCOPE Scotland launch new campaign with resources to support the journey to increased confidence and self-belief.
Continue readingTom shares his journey with self management, since being diagnosed with epilepsy four years ago.
Continue readingRead about the Nystagmus Network's BBC Radio 4 charity appeal on 11 August and how this has raised awareness of the eye condition.
Continue readingRebecca's research into social connectedness highlights the importance of strong community networks and services in rural areas in Scotland.
Continue readingSoberBuzz give an overview of their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community Award.
Continue readingMoira Anderson Foundation give an overview of their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community.
Continue readingFinding Your Feet discuss their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community Award.
Continue reading