23 - What Is Left to Be Done

Summary

Stigma is a powerful force that is not easily dismantled. The goal of the Handbook of Stigma and Mental Health is to assist with policy changes, interventions, and movement toward social justice by presenting the breadth and depth of the work on mental health stigma. The authors of the Handbook have provided a deep and more complete picture of what stigma is, how it might develop, and how it might be changed. The authors also have provided a clear picture that stigma cannot be understood in isolation, but rather intersectional and contextual approaches are best. Through the work reviewed by the authors of the Handbook, it is clear that research is still needed to expand on what situations and under what conditions stigmas could be minimized, reduced, buffered, or eliminated. Also, work needs to be done to create culturally affirming approaches to stigma reduction. We believe the work presented in the Handbook provides optimism about the changes that have been made and the progress in our knowledge and interventions. It also provides insights into developing unique perspectives on the field, challenging some of our well-worn ideas, and pushing the limits of our knowledge.