Let’s Rethink

Let’s Rethink: A new campaign to eliminate stigma and discrimination of people with severe mental illness

Rethink Mental Illness has launched a new campaign, Let’s Rethink, following a recent survey with YouGov that reported on the impacts of severe mental illness.

The survey reiterated a similar survey in 2021 which reported that stigma and discrimination were widespread, with many respondents feeling unable to seek treatment, conduct their family lives or seek job opportunities.

The 2024 survey found one in four believing that there has been no change in stigma in the last five years, and one in five feeling that it has actually increased.

The survey also found that half of respondents were not comfortable with disclosing a diagnosis of severe mental health with extended family, and a fifth felt unable to share this with immediate family.

In response, Rethink Mental Illness launched its new campaign with the aim of tackling the stigma and discrimination against people with severe mental illness.

The campaign provides information about severe mental health, including real stories of stigma, understanding the impact of stigma and busting the myths. A free guide is also available and guides what to do if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health.

You can also access Rethink Mental Illness’ advice and information centre for information on conditions including:

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Dissociation and dissociative identity disorder
• Eating disorders
• Personal disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychosis
• Obsessive compulsive disorder