Stigma is one of the obstacles in the treatment and regaining the mental health of people with mental illnesses. The article presents the causes, mechanisms of stigmatization and consequences for stigmatized people. The main part of the article is nursing activities undertaken to improve the image of people with a mental crisis in the community. Public information programs and educative measures aimed at selected target groups should improve the public’s knowledge regarding symptomatology, causes, and treatment options for mental disorders. Improved knowledge should in turn abolish prejudice and negative perceptions and facilitate the social reintegration of those suffering from mental illnesses.

Key words: stigmatization mental illness, mentally ill, social exclusion, nurse.