Stigma by association in mental health nursing
Our research has uncovered the stigma faced by mental health nurses and students across Scotland.
Almost one in 10 mental health nurses in Scotland (9 per cent) have taken time off or left a job because of the stigma they face in their role.
Mental health nurses play an important role in the care and support of thousands of Scots who struggle with mental illness and poor mental health – but more and more are choosing to leave the profession, and universities are struggling to fill places on degree courses in mental health nursing.
See Me and the Mental Health Foundation were commissioned by Scottish Government and Mental Health Nursing Leads Group Scotland to explore the stigma that mental health nurses and mental health nursing students face.
The report is the first stage of the project, which will be divided into three phases:
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Phase 1: Scope and research the prevalence and impact of stigma by association across mental health nursing using mixed methods, and scope stigma-reduction interventions.
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Phase 2: Develop, test and evaluate stigma-reduction interventions, drawing learning of what works.
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Phase 3: Share learning, roll out practice and create the conditions for change.
In April 2025, we published the research report ahead of the publication of the Mental Health Nursing Review, with three over-arching recommendations to help tackle stigma by association for professionals. These are:
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Education: Increasing public understanding of mental health and the role of mental health nurses is crucial in reducing stigma. This can be achieved by incorporating mental health education within general nursing and broader medical professions. By educating the public and other healthcare professionals about the importance and complexity of mental health nursing, we can challenge misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of the profession.
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Policy and Workplace Changes: Implementing policies that promote a supportive and respectful workplace culture can help reduce stigma and improve job satisfaction. This includes creating policies that address intersectional stigma directly, and providing training for staff on how to support colleagues who may be experiencing stigma or discrimination.
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Raising the Profile of the Profession: Actions to make the profession more visible and celebrated can attract more people to the field and reduce stigma. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, highlighting the achievements and contributions of mental health nurses, and promoting the profession as a valuable and rewarding career choice.
See Me will work with the Mental Health Nursing Review Implementation Group and wider colleagues to consider the survey findings and develop, test, and evaluate stigma-reduction recommendations and interventions, drawing upon learning and evidence of what works.
In the autumn, we’ll be publishing a more detailed set of recommendations, including an overview of the work done so far across these.
We’ll be hosting an event too to share this work – make sure to check back for updates.
Information for health and social care professionals
Check out our tools and resources, including a lived experience video library, to help those working in the health and social care sector tackle stigma and discrimination in their work.
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