Research generally categorizes stigma into three distinct levels:
: Negative attitudes or stereotypes held by the general population (e.g., believing people with mental illness are dangerous). stigma
: When individuals internalize public messages, leading to low self-esteem, shame, and the "why try" effect. leading to low self-esteem
: Institutional policies or cultural norms that limit opportunities, such as discriminatory hiring practices or healthcare inequities. Why Stigma is Harmful Mental Health Stigma - CDC stigma