The word stigma comes from the ancient Greek name for a mark (or tattoo) designating a low or infamous state, such as slavery. In mental health it describes the negative associations that are appended to the societal perception of mental illness (for instance such people are assumed to be learning disabled, morally deficient, dangerous, etc.)

The KeyWorker must be sensitive to the likelihood of this phenomenon affecting their work, most commonly by interfering with engagement, or adherence.

By following the Tags on stigma the reader will find a range of techniques that are helpful in countering its negative impact.