Stigma significantly impacts individuals with mental illness, affecting their opportunities for employment, housing, healthcare, and social connections. This paper explores the effects of public and self-stigma on people with mental illness, integrating research on stereotypes and prejudice. Public stigma refers to societal attitudes toward people with mental illness, while self-stigma is the internalized prejudice that individuals with mental illness experience. Public stigma is characterized by stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs about a group, while prejudice involves negative evaluations and emotional responses. Discrimination is the behavioral outcome of prejudice, such as avoiding or mistreating individuals with mental illness. Self-stigma, on the other hand, involves internalizing negative beliefs about oneself, leading to reduced self-esteem and confidence. Public stigma is widespread in Western societies, with many people holding stigmatizing views about mental illness. These attitudes are not limited to the general public; even trained professionals in mental health fields often hold stereotypes. However, stigma appears to be less prevalent in some non-Western cultures, though this may be due to limited research in those regions. Stigma is often fueled by media portrayals of mental illness, which can reinforce negative stereotypes. Research indicates that people with mental illness are often viewed as more dangerous and less responsible than those with physical illnesses. This perception can lead to discrimination, such as avoiding hiring or providing care. Strategies for reducing stigma include protest, education, and contact. Protest efforts aim to challenge negative media portrayals and reduce public stigma. Education provides information to help the public understand mental illness better, reducing stigma. Contact with individuals with mental illness can reduce stigma by increasing familiarity and challenging stereotypes. Self-stigma can lead to internalized negative beliefs, affecting self-esteem and confidence. However, some individuals may react with anger or righteous indignation to stigma, which can motivate them to advocate for better mental health services. The impact of stigma on self-perception varies, with some individuals feeling indifferent to it. Research suggests that stigma is not only an individual issue but is also embedded in social structures, such as laws and social services. Addressing stigma requires examining and changing these structures. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of anti-stigma interventions and their long-term impact.Stigma significantly impacts individuals with mental illness, affecting their opportunities for employment, housing, healthcare, and social connections. This paper explores the effects of public and self-stigma on people with mental illness, integrating research on stereotypes and prejudice. Public stigma refers to societal attitudes toward people with mental illness, while self-stigma is the internalized prejudice that individuals with mental illness experience. Public stigma is characterized by stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs about a group, while prejudice involves negative evaluations and emotional responses. Discrimination is the behavioral outcome of prejudice, such as avoiding or mistreating individuals with mental illness. Self-stigma, on the other hand, involves internalizing negative beliefs about oneself, leading to reduced self-esteem and confidence. Public stigma is widespread in Western societies, with many people holding stigmatizing views about mental illness. These attitudes are not limited to the general public; even trained professionals in mental health fields often hold stereotypes. However, stigma appears to be less prevalent in some non-Western cultures, though this may be due to limited research in those regions. Stigma is often fueled by media portrayals of mental illness, which can reinforce negative stereotypes. Research indicates that people with mental illness are often viewed as more dangerous and less responsible than those with physical illnesses. This perception can lead to discrimination, such as avoiding hiring or providing care. Strategies for reducing stigma include protest, education, and contact. Protest efforts aim to challenge negative media portrayals and reduce public stigma. Education provides information to help the public understand mental illness better, reducing stigma. Contact with individuals with mental illness can reduce stigma by increasing familiarity and challenging stereotypes. Self-stigma can lead to internalized negative beliefs, affecting self-esteem and confidence. However, some individuals may react with anger or righteous indignation to stigma, which can motivate them to advocate for better mental health services. The impact of stigma on self-perception varies, with some individuals feeling indifferent to it. Research suggests that stigma is not only an individual issue but is also embedded in social structures, such as laws and social services. Addressing stigma requires examining and changing these structures. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of anti-stigma interventions and their long-term impact.