Discrimination causes individuals to receive fewer opportunities and reduced access to resources (Abdullah, 2011). For example, social stigma might prevent an individual from securing employment, receiving higher education, or forming relationships with others. This can then decrease an individual's self-esteem and self-worth (Corrigan, 2004), as they feel they cannot integrate successfully into society. For this reason, people often hide their illness from others and choose not to seek treatment in an attempt to avoid social stigma. According to the Association of Psychological Science (2014), 40% of people with mental illnesses choose not to receive treatment due to stigma-related factors. Without treatment, an individual's mental illness can progressively worsen, dramatically altering their quality of life. It is therefore important to reduce the social stigma associated with mental illness, in order to eradicate the barriers that prevent people from receiving treatment. Eliminate social stigma: contact