User:Lrammaine/sandbox

Stigma
It is not uncommon for children with mental health disorders to be faced with stigma. Stigma against those with mental health disorders can be seen through stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. This stigma can come from the public (those without the disorder) or be self (those with the disorder). Both public and self-stigma can diminish the self-esteem of those with mental disorders. Stigma can be especially damaging to children.

Typically, children with mental health disorders are first exposed to stigma within their family unit before later being exposed to it in the school setting and by the public. While some may view stigma as a minor when looking at the other problems children with mental illness may face, others view it as a major problem due to the negative impact it can have on children's treatment and self perception.

Stigma within the family can cause a delay in the diagnosis of mental health disorders, delaying treatment. It can also cause children to be hesitant in seeking treatment, even when they are experiences clear mental health symptoms. This is especially true for boys who are shown to be more likely than girls to avoid seeking treatment because of perceived stigma.