Abstract:

Mental health stigma remains a serious social issue in Bangladesh, affecting how people understand, discuss, and respond to psychological distress. Although mental health problems are increasingly recognized worldwide, in Bangladesh, they are still often viewed through the lens of cultural beliefs, religious interpretations, and concerns about family honor and social reputation. These social attitudes can lead individuals and families to hide mental health struggles, avoid open discussion, and delay seeking professional support. As a result, many people who need care remain untreated, making stigma an important issue to explore in the Bangladeshi context. This study examines the socio-psychological dimensions of mental health stigma in Bangladesh using a qualitative exploratory approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with people who had direct or indirect experience with mental health challenges, including individuals with lived experience, caregivers, mental health professionals, and members of the wider community. To interpret the findings, the study draws on several socio-psychological theories, including Social Identity Theory, Attribution Theory, Labeling Theory, and the Contact Hypothesis. These frameworks help explain how stigma is shaped by social interaction, group identity, assumptions about responsibility, and limited familiarity with mental health conditions.