A former schizophrenia patient in Denmark was once questioned about her motives for visiting a doctor, with medical staff implying she was imagining her symptoms to gain attention, according to a recent survey highlighting persistent stigma toward mental illness in the country.
The survey, commissioned by the Psychiatric Foundation (Psykiatrifonden) and conducted by Epinion, revealed that six out of ten Danes with a psychiatric diagnosis have experienced discrimination, particularly in workplaces and healthcare settings. The findings, reported on September 8, 2025, underscore the challenges faced by individuals living with conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
In response to these ongoing issues, Denmark’s national anti-stigma program, ONE OF US, continues its work to foster understanding and inclusion. Launched in 2011 as part of The Danish Health Authority, the program employs trained volunteers – often referred to as “ambassadors” – who share their personal experiences with mental health conditions. These ambassadors engage with communities in schools, hospitals, and police stations, aiming to replace fear with empathy.
Approximately 580,000 people in Denmark are estimated to struggle with a mental illness, with many experiencing multiple diagnoses. While mental illness is often temporary, it can also be recurrent or long-lasting for others. Despite this prevalence, and the fact that roughly one in three Danes is connected to someone with a mental health condition, knowledge and understanding remain limited.
The ONE OF US program operates at national, regional, and local levels. Nationally, it is managed within The Danish Health Authority, while regionally, it is integrated into PsykInfo (Psychiatric Information Centre) divisions within each of Denmark’s five regions. The program’s core philosophy centers on the idea that individuals should be recognized as people *with* a mental health condition, rather than being defined *by* their condition – a shift from labeling someone as “schizophrenic” to recognizing them as “ONE OF US.”
The initiative gained further prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic, which eroded public trust in institutions, including healthcare systems. The program aims to rebuild that trust by creating a system for sharing lived experiences and transforming healthcare practices, making it easier for individuals with mental health conditions to connect with and trust their providers. Rune Jørgensen, a 49-year-aged who has lived with a mental health condition for over two decades, now serves as an ambassador for ONE OF US, after being recommended by a healthcare professional who recognized his perspective on stigma as a societal problem.
Experts from Denmark’s National Institute of Public Health have noted that societal stigma remains a significant concern, often stemming from the invisible nature of mental illness and leading to overgeneralization, suspicion, or fear. The program’s work is ongoing, with no immediate finish date announced, and continues to address discrimination in both employment and healthcare settings.
