Target Stigma in Schools: Teach Them Young

Target Stigma in Schools: Teach Them Young

Stigma is one of the leading causes of poor use of mental health services all over the world. Stigma is defined as “negative social attitude attached to a characteristic of an individual that may be regarded as a mental, physical, or social deficiency.” Stigma often leads to labeling and disapproval further culminating in discrimination and exclusion. It is well-evident that stigma in mental health is not restricted to any particular age group or geographical boundary but rather is a global phenomenon. To deal with the huge burden of stigma in various facets of mental health services, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently came together on the occasion of the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2021 to provide impetus to the #OnYourMind campaign. This campaign was launched by the UNICEF to promote the mental well-being of all children and calls for commitment, communication, and action regarding the same. Such steps only highlight the immense burden of mental disorders and the stigma associated with it.