Why Stigma Around Mental Health Still Hurts Us
A stigma is a negative social perception or label attached to a person, group, or characteristic. When it comes to mental health, stigma is something that many of us have experienced, whether we’re fully aware of it or not.
It often begins early. Common Phrases from childhood like “cheer up”, “don’t mope”, or “don’t be so dramatic”, might seem harmless and even well-meaning, especially when coming from loved ones in a light-hearted manner. However, over time, these messages build up and have shaped a culture where it can often feel it's not okay to feel anything other than " fine”.
Brighton & Hove: A City of Contrast
Brighton & Hove is known for being vibrant and inclusive. That said, it doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges, especially when it comes to mental health, addiction, and homelessness.
Recent data paints a worrying picture.
A 2024 council health survey, Health Counts, based on nearly 17,000 anonymous responses, found that the city is more disabled, lonely, and anxious than it was a decade ago.
Mental Health in Brighton: Key Statistics (2024)
Anxiety and Depression Are Rising
- Around 1 in 5 adults in Brighton & Hove are estimated to have a common mental health problem like anxiety or depression - higher than the national average.
- Anxiety levels are rising: 38% of people now report high anxiety, up from 25% just 10 years ago.
Who Is Most Affected?
Groups most affected include:
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- People in deprived areas
- LGBT+ individuals
- Black and racial minority communities
- Those in temporary or insecure housing
A Growing Sense of Isolation
Community connection is also weakening. The number of people who say they feel they “belong” in their neighbourhood has dropped from 58% to 53%, and those who talk to their neighbours at least weekly fell from 68% to 56%. This growing sense of isolation only worsens the impact of stigma, leaving many without the social support crucial to good mental health.
Rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts are also rising, with around 9% of respondents reported self-harming in the past year.
Behind all these statistics lies the stigma that surrounds mental health itself.
Many people struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-harm still feel unable to talk about it, especially if they’re part of a marginalised group. Whether it’s fear of judgment, dismissal, or being seen as “too much,” stigma silences people.
And when people don’t feel safe to speak, they often don’t seek help, instead choosing to wait, cope quietly, or mask.
Meanwhile, stigma can also shape how services respond, who they prioritise, who gets dismissed, and who gets left behind.
Inequality at the Heart of the Crisis
There are stark and persistent health inequalities in Brighton & Hove:
- People in more deprived areas report worse physical and mental health, and more disruption to daily life because of it.
- Marginalised groups (LGBT+, racial minorities, the homeless, those in insecure housing) are disproportionately affected.
- Young people’s emotional wellbeing is also a major concern with rates of poor mental health higher than the national average in school surveys.
- Demand for services is rising fast - nearly 20,000 people were referred to mental health services in 2021 alone, putting serious strain on local capacity.
Homelessness and Addiction: Intertwined With Mental Health
Mental health challenges don’t exist in isolation. Addiction and homelessness are closely linked issues that compound the pressure on Brighton & Hove. While Brighton welcomes many seeking help, this influx also strains resources and challenges the system to keep up.
Part of what draws people facing these challenges to Brighton is its reputation as a tolerant, inclusive, and compassionate city, a reputation that is well deserved. However, there’s another factor at work: what some call the “drift effect.”
Like other seaside towns such as Blackpool and Bournemouth, Brighton attracts vulnerable individuals from across the country seeking safety, community, or a fresh start.
Why do people come here?
- The belief that Brighton is more tolerant or “alternative.”
- A need to escape trauma or hardship elsewhere.
- The presence of well-known support services such as LGBTQ+ resources and mental health outreach programs.
While Brighton’s openness is a strength, it also places real strain on local services, which are already struggling to meet demand.
The Hidden Role of Stigma
At the heart of these intertwined challenges lies stigma: a powerful but often overlooked force that shapes how society views and treats people with mental illness, addiction, or homelessness.
Addiction is frequently misunderstood as a personal failing rather than a health condition rooted in trauma and illness. Similarly, homelessness remains clouded by damaging stereotypes and assumptions of laziness, danger, or moral weakness.
These stigmatising views are more than just unfair judgments and can have huge consequences.
Stigma influences funding priorities, shapes policies, and affects how individuals are treated day-to-day, often denying people the compassion, dignity, and support they desperately need.
If Brighton wants to truly address its mental health, addiction, and homelessness crises, it must confront stigma head-on, breaking down barriers of shame and misunderstanding that keep people isolated and services overwhelmed.
Support Exists, But So Do Gaps
Brighton has many services working incredibly hard to support people facing mental illness, addiction, or homelessness. But the system isn’t coping.
Problems include:
- Long waits for treatment, rehab or detox
- Not enough long-term supported housing
- Lack of dual diagnosis support (for people with both mental illness and addiction)
- People often fall through the cracks — not meeting the strict criteria for one service, or being discharged before they’re truly ready.
Stigma is more than just a word, it’s a wall.
It blocks access to care. It delays recovery. It drives isolation. It tells people they’re not welcome in their own communities. And in Brighton & Hove - a city that prides itself on inclusion, stigma still thrives in the shadows.
If we want to truly tackle mental health, addiction, and homelessness, we need to break down the stigma that keeps people stuck. That starts with compassion, honesty, and the courage to say:
“It’s okay not to be fine.”
Local Mental Health Services in Brighton & Hove
If you or someone you know is struggling, here are local services that offer support:
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Pavilions Brighton (addiction services)
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Clock Tower Sanctuary (youth homelessness support)