Perceived Stigma among Family Members of Persons Suffering from Mental Illness: A Narrative Exploration from West Bengal, India

In this paper, we report the findings of a qualitative study that, aims to understand family members’ subjective experiences with perceived stigma mental illness. The theoretical standpoint and research method for employed are social constructivist theory narrative inquiry respectively. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews members others accompanying patients an outpatient unit psychiatric clinic. professionals administrative staff at clinic gave additional interviews. constant comparative was analysis narratives. suggest existence direct among members. Family shared their concerns relating disclosure illness, its receptions, interpretation by others, possible impact on family. Professionals perceptions regarding manifestations families. study, gathered emic understanding in context West Bengal, India. discussed current literature