Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that is thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common worldwide. 

People with mental illness have to cope with the suffering of the symptoms of their illness with the difficulties in getting the appropriate care from the mental health professionals, if they are available. Instead of getting support and help from the society, they are looked at in a way that leads to feeling of shame and blame as if they have brought this illness to themselves and they are responsible for being sick. 

The secrecy surrounding illness and treatment lead to isolation, which complicates mental illness and affect family life so that all the family members are stigmatized. In some cases, the patient is given the role of the black sheep of the family. In many parts of the world, the patient can easily lose his job just because, the employer knows about his illness. Many people will not deal with the patient and his family. So, the stereotypes, social exclusion and discrimination are affecting the quality of life of the patient and his family.