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By the numbers

Beliefs about mental health have evolved, but stigma remains

While most Americans say there is no shame in mental illness, 35% of adults admit they’d view someone differently if they knew they had a mental health condition 

APA Style leaf logo Cite This Article in APA Style
DeAngelis, T. (2025, September 1). By the Numbers: Beliefs about mental health have evolved, but stigma remains. Monitor on Psychology, 56(6). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/09/mental-health-stigma

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88%

Percentage of U.S. adults who say that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed about, with 83% saying they are generally comfortable talking about their mental health.

84%

Percentage of U.S. adults who think the term “mental illness” still carries a stigma. Similarly, 35% of adults say they would view someone differently if they discovered that person had a mental health condition.

55%

Percentage of U.S. adults who cited feeling emotionally safe as the reason they chose to share their mental health struggles with someone else, with 54% saying that experiencing relief was why they shared their struggles.

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