Black Shadow of Stigma: Lived Experiences of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders on the Consequences of Stigma

Abstract

Background: Mental illness stigma has undesirable consequences for patients with psychiatric disorders. Objectives: The current study aimed at understanding the lived experiences of patients with psychiatric disorders on the consequences of stigma. Methods: Hermeneutic phenomenology was conducted on 12 patients. They were selected from psychiatric hospital clinics in Mashhad. Results: Black shadow of stigma is one of the main themes in the present work. It consists of seven subthemes including taking refuge in secrecy, academic deadlock, marriage bumps, glass fence of job, the bitter taste of death, cocoon of loneliness, and the narrow circle of friends. Conclusions: These results call for actions to tackle the stigma in mentally ill people in Iran. The results of this study can help develop interventions and policies to prevent the stigma against people with mental disorders.