EXPLORING PUBLIC AND SELF-STIGMA IN ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: A REVIEW OF SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION, AWARENESS, AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES

Abstract

Mental health concerns among adolescents and youth have emerged as a significant public health issue worldwide. Despite increasing prevalence of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, help-seeking behavior remains low, particularly in collectivistic societies such as India. One of the major barriers to mental health care is stigma. This review paper explores the concepts of public stigma and self-stigma in relation to adolescent and youth mental health, emphasizing how stigma is socially constructed and perpetuated through low awareness, cultural norms, family expectations, and institutional practices. Drawing on existing literature, the paper examines how societal attitudes toward mental illness are internalized by young individuals, leading to silence, shame, and avoidance of professional help. The review highlights the role of gender norms, academic pressure, and family and school environments in shaping mental health experiences. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for awareness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and stigma-reduction strategies targeting adolescents, families, and educational institutions.