INTERNALIZED STIGMA – HOW WE VIEW OUR MENTAL ILLNESS

Introduction Stigma in mental health settings is described as a set of negative and unrealistic beliefs about those with illness. Authors suggest that stigma consistently underdefined overused, leading to resources toward preventing managing this problem lacking intention efficiency. Three interacting levels are defined: social, structural, internalized or self-stigma. Internalized refers how people illness see themselves mentally unwell and, therefore, lesser value. Objectives We aim discuss the impact on psychiatric patients ways prevention resistance. Methods performed non-systematic literature review from data base PubMed using key words “internalized stigma” “mental illness”. Results one major factors delayed contact care up two years outpatients. In patients, higher was associated weakened social support integration, hopelessness lower self-esteem sense coherence. Low most significantly factor mediates quality life treatment avoidance. The risk loss seems more insight, especially if they also have valued identity. Although some studies female, single educated adjusted statistical analyses do not validate these sociodemographic variations. It however prevalent depression who had been hospitalized because their often compared burden itself, greater symptom severity. Additionally, self-stigma predict suicidal ideation, particularly young adults. Conclusions internalization stereotypes undermines empowerment negatively impacts evolution recovery patients. There’s strong evidence general constitutes for poor biopsychosocial outcomes. Programs addressing multiple components seem be effective improving suicide prevention. However, interventions involve groups, which can create barriers comfortable disclosing condition others. Anti-stigma programs when lived experience conditions all aspects development. Interventions younger age should focus by understanding reducing self outwards discrimination. Working professionals own stigmatizing behaviors improve way we communicate educate populations internally process problems. Disclosure Interest None Declared