Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Stigma associated with mental health persists as one of the most significant barriers to disclosure, help-seeking, and sustained wellbeing across educational, clinical, and occupational settings. This study synthesizes evidence from recent studies in the India, United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Asia-Pacific, providing a comprehensive analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and intervention strategies. Findings indicate that stigma manifests in public, perceived, and internalized forms, with profound consequences for academic performance, social integration, and employability. Risk factors such as early illness onset, aggression, substance use, chronic health conditions, financial stress, and minority identity further exacerbate these outcomes. Despite growing mental health literacy, stigma remains embedded in cultural narratives and institutional practices, particularly in rural contexts and among male populations. Emerging challenges including imposter syndrome, pandemic-related suicide trends, and the impact of media framing illustrate the evolving complexity of the issue. Promising interventions range from contact-based education and peer support initiatives to culturally tailored counseling, stigma sensitive communication, and technology enabled self-management. The study concludes that dismantling stigma requires systemic reform supported by inclusive policies, faculty and employer sensitization, and sustained cultural change, positioning stigma reduction as both a public health priority and a social justice imperative.