Self-stigma and the "why try" effect significantly impact life goals and evidence-based practices for individuals with mental illness. Self-stigma involves three stages: awareness of stereotypes, agreement with them, and applying them to oneself. This process reduces self-esteem and self-efficacy, leading individuals to avoid opportunities that support life goals and to refrain from using evidence-based practices. The "why try" effect encompasses these processes and their impact on goal-related behavior. Public stigma involves stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness, leading to loss of opportunities, coercion, and segregation. Self-stigma, however, is internalized and affects self-perception, leading to diminished self-esteem and self-efficacy. These factors can prevent individuals from pursuing life goals and engaging in evidence-based practices. Empowerment is a positive process that counteracts self-stigma by fostering self-efficacy and a sense of control. Research shows that empowerment is linked to higher self-esteem, quality of life, and social support. Consumer-operated services and group identity can enhance empowerment by promoting peer support and community involvement. The "why try" model highlights the complex interplay between self-stigma, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and goal attainment. It suggests that individuals with mental illness may avoid services due to stigma, but empowerment can help them engage in recovery and achieve life goals. Strategies to reduce self-stigma include consumer-operated services, group identity, and coming out of the closet. Empowerment is crucial for overcoming self-stigma and promoting recovery. It involves personal and systemic changes that support individuals in achieving their goals and participating in evidence-based practices. Research indicates that empowerment is associated with better mental health outcomes and increased social functioning. Addressing self-stigma through empowerment is essential for improving the lives of individuals with mental illness.Self-stigma and the "why try" effect significantly impact life goals and evidence-based practices for individuals with mental illness. Self-stigma involves three stages: awareness of stereotypes, agreement with them, and applying them to oneself. This process reduces self-esteem and self-efficacy, leading individuals to avoid opportunities that support life goals and to refrain from using evidence-based practices. The "why try" effect encompasses these processes and their impact on goal-related behavior. Public stigma involves stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness, leading to loss of opportunities, coercion, and segregation. Self-stigma, however, is internalized and affects self-perception, leading to diminished self-esteem and self-efficacy. These factors can prevent individuals from pursuing life goals and engaging in evidence-based practices. Empowerment is a positive process that counteracts self-stigma by fostering self-efficacy and a sense of control. Research shows that empowerment is linked to higher self-esteem, quality of life, and social support. Consumer-operated services and group identity can enhance empowerment by promoting peer support and community involvement. The "why try" model highlights the complex interplay between self-stigma, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and goal attainment. It suggests that individuals with mental illness may avoid services due to stigma, but empowerment can help them engage in recovery and achieve life goals. Strategies to reduce self-stigma include consumer-operated services, group identity, and coming out of the closet. Empowerment is crucial for overcoming self-stigma and promoting recovery. It involves personal and systemic changes that support individuals in achieving their goals and participating in evidence-based practices. Research indicates that empowerment is associated with better mental health outcomes and increased social functioning. Addressing self-stigma through empowerment is essential for improving the lives of individuals with mental illness.