Learn about mental health stigma
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery for individuals with mental health conditions. Stigma leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of support, exacerbating mental health problems, and can even result in tragic outcomes such as suicide.
Recent initiatives have focused on understanding and addressing this global issue through comprehensive research and actionable recommendations. In Ireland we have been working at a national level to reduce stigma for over a decade.
Ireland’s national programme dedicated to ending mental health stigma was formerly known as See Change. Following our 2025 rebrand, the See Change programme has been brought fully under the Shine umbrella.
Our work is informed by people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, who are best placed to give insight into mental health stigma and discrimination. This work continues throughout the year, however, every September there is a focussed campaign for the entire month - the Green Ribbon Campaign. (Known now as the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign). Wearing a green ribbon in September shows your support for this campaign which aims to raise awareness about mental health and challenge the stigma associated with it.
This initiative, supported by all of the key service providers, advocacy organisations in mental health care and our corporate partners, encourages open conversations about mental health, promotes understanding, and demonstrates support for individuals experiencing mental health issues. The campaign's activities help to normalise mental health discussions and foster a more inclusive and supportive society.
At the core of this multifaceted campaign is the use of the knowledge and evidence that we have on this issue to create an impact in reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. We know this is a worthwhile approach as the evidence tells us that reduced stigma will increase mental health recovery rates and reduce suicide rates. Green ribbons are free and can be obtained in many shops across the country or ordered here: /advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign