http://www.mentalhealth.org/stigma/
Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Discrimination and Stigma is not just the use of the wrong word or action. Stigma is about disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier and discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need due to the fear of being discriminated against. An estimated 50 million Americans experience a mental disorder in any given year and only one-forth of them actually receive mental health and other services.