How Cambridge OCR qualifications can help reduce mental health stigma
08 October 2025
Nicola Heath, Psychology Subject Advisor
For World Mental Health Day, I’ll look at some of the myths and misconceptions that surround mental health issues. I’ll consider how we can help reduce stigma and discrimination by raising awareness, and the role that Cambridge OCR qualifications can play.
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health, largely due to a lack of understanding and the spread of inaccurate information. World Mental Health Day provides a valuable opportunity for media organisations and charities to spotlight these issues and promote greater awareness. It serves as a platform to challenge stigma, correct misunderstandings, and combat discrimination related to mental health.
Myths and misconceptions
One common misconception is that mental health problems are rare. However, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem. Approximately 792 million people worldwide have been affected by a mental health problem at some point during their lives, with 3 in every 100 people in England experiencing depression in any given week. Also, statistics have shown that 1 in 10 children experience a mental health issue.
These statistics show that mental health issues are not at all rare and yet many people with a mental health problem will experience some form of stigma or discrimination.
A further misconception identified by the Mental Health Organisation was that individuals living with mental health problems are considered as dangerous, evil or unable to function normally in society. In reality the vast majority are more than capable of living normal lives and the only danger they pose is to themselves and not those around them.
Is media depiction of mental health a problem?
The majority of the public’s knowledge surrounding mental health is determined by the quality of the information published in the media. A piece of research on the impact of the media on public perceptions of mental illness found that the media’s use of inaccurate and sensationalised portrayals tends to perpetuate myths and stereotypes and promote incorrect assumptions.
Do people really take the information published in the media seriously?
Surprisingly, yes they do. For example, research shows that many young people still trust media content over information provided by the government, despite polls suggesting trust in news media is declining.
However, despite the negatives, it should be acknowledged that the media does not always get it completely wrong. It has helped to raise awareness of mental health in popular soaps and dramas, encouraging people to seek help and support and signposting them to the appropriate agencies. Time to Change has worked closely with writers to challenge stereotypes and cover mental health issues more accurately.
What can be done to reduce stigma and discrimination?
One way to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination is by making the public more aware through conversations, campaigns and ongoing education. The research mentioned above from the Mental Health Foundation recognised that the most effective way to challenge discrimination is through direct interaction with people experiencing mental health issues. Sharing accurate information helps dismantle harmful stereotypes, challenge misleading labels, and shift behaviours.
Sadly, some people still treat the topic of mental health as a taboo subject, and fear of discrimination makes them reluctant to discuss their own personal experiences. However, this is changing. A survey carried out by Mind in 2024 concluded that 49% of individuals felt comfortable talking about their mental health, compared with just 20% who would have felt able to do so 10 years ago. This shows the power of campaigns such as World Mental Health Day to support open conversations and awareness of mental health.
How do we encourage others to talk about mental health?
Organisations such as Mind and the Mental Health Foundation and campaigns like the Time to Talk Day aim to raise awareness of mental health and change the way people think and act. They encourage people with a mental health issue to take action and challenge stigma and discrimination within their own communities, in the workplace, schools and online. They also help to improve attitudes and behaviour towards people living with mental health issues.
What’s the role of Cambridge OCR qualifications in this?
We have a range of qualifications in psychology, mental health and health and social care, which equip students with an understanding of the issues surrounding mental health. They are based on comprehensive and relevant information and up-to-date research, which students learn to evaluate and apply to real-world situations. Deeper knowledge of mental health issues can help young people to challenge and overcome the myths surrounding the subject.
Cambridge Advanced Nationals
Our brand new Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Mental Health: Individuals and Society is a unique qualification that focuses on the study of mental health. Students develop solid theoretical and practical understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and gain knowledge and understanding of the range of factors that can influence our mental health, and the potential effects they can have.
The qualification was developed with input from prominent mental health and wellbeing organisations and charities, making sure the content is interesting, accurate, and relevant. With a mixture of exam and non-exam units, it’s an ideal foundation course for those who are interested in mental health as a topic but also as a potential career focus.
Our Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Health and Social Care includes a mandatory non-examined assessment (NEA) unit called ‘Supporting people with mental health conditions’. Students learn about the meaning of mental health and the different needs of individuals. They explore different types of condition and how these may affect peoples’ lives. They build on this by looking at how people can be supported in a way that promotes positive mental wellbeing. The focus of the NEA task is to apply their understanding to a case study to create an advice pack for a chosen individual.
A Level Psychology
Our refreshed Psychology A Level, planned for September 2026 (subject to accreditation), has a compulsory and extended topic on mental health. During this, students are shown how mental health is diagnostically categorised and the difference between three different disorders (depression, phobias and schizophrenia).
Students are also encouraged to explore the stereotypes and racial bias that can occur when diagnosing different people with mental health disorders. They then look at the different sides of the nature/nurture debate, viewing mental health disorders and treatments through a medical and non-medical lens.
Finally, students explore the fascinating future of mental health support, in particular how artificial intelligence and ‘chatbots’ can provide emergency and/or interim support for people while they wait for formal treatment from trained professionals.
GCSE Psychology
Our GCSE Psychology specification was developed in partnership with Time to Change. The specification has a focus on mental health, and aims to encourage greater awareness in young people therefore reducing instances of stigma and discrimination.
During the development of the GCSE, Time to Change had this to say:
“Time to Change is pleased to be working with OCR to update their GCSE (9–1) Psychology qualification. We hope this qualification will inspire this generation to know more about mental health and find out what they can do to support their own mental health and that of their peers and help to create a future free from stigma and discrimination.”
In the topic of ‘Psychological problems’ students are given an introduction to mental health. They learn about the significance of mental health over time, the effects stigma and discrimination can have on individuals before and after diagnosis, and how mental health can have an impact on the wider society as a whole.
To conclude
While awareness and understanding of mental health issues are steadily growing, misconceptions and stigma persist, often fuelled by unhelpful portrayals in the media. Promoting accurate information and encouraging open, honest conversation are essential steps toward improving understanding in our schools and communities. By studying Cambridge OCR qualifications, students gain insight into key facts and scientific research related to mental health. We believe this knowledge can empower young people to critically examine and challenge common myths and misconceptions, and can help them develop a more informed and compassionate perspective.
If you would like to find out more about mental health and how you can help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with it, please contact the Mental Health Organisation and the Time to Talk Day campaign.
Stay connected
If you have any questions, you can email us at psychology@ocr.org.uk , call us on 01223 553998 or follow us @OCR_Psychology. You can also sign up to subject updates for the latest news, information and resources.
If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.
About the author
Nicola joined Cambridge OCR in 2022 as the Subject Advisor for Psychology. Before that, she taught psychology for over 10 years and has had various other responsibilities in that time, including being Head of Year, SENDCo and Subject Leader for PSHE. Nicola has a personal interest in mental health and wellbeing and enjoys reading, baking and spending time outdoors to relax.
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