INTRODUCTION
Despite its small size and the population being only 2.1 million,
Slovenia has made significant strides in the field of psychiatry, with a
focus on holistic approaches to mental health care. The country
prioritizes community-based initiatives, comprehensive mental health
services, and ongoing research to address the evolving needs of its
population. The country’s mental health system provides a range of
services, including outpatient clinics, inpatient care, and
community-based support networks. Additionally, Slovenia has been
proactive in integrating psychiatric care into primary healthcare
settings, aiming to increase accessibility and early intervention for
mental health issues (14). Slovenian psychiatry emphasizes a
collaborative approach between patients, families, and healthcare
professionals, reflecting a commitment to promoting mental well-being
and reducing stigma.
Stigma, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), encompasses
feelings of shame, disapproval, and subsequent rejection,
discrimination, and exclusion (4). It involves being labeled by certain
traits, which can isolate individuals and lead to their perceived
deviation from social norms (5). Those with mental disorders often bear
the brunt of such stigmatization, facing discrimination across different
aspects of life, making them among the most vulnerable members of
society (6).
In Slovenia, despite progress in mental health care, stigma remains a
significant barrier to seeking help and receiving adequate support for
mental health issues.
In 2018 Ljubotina, Đorđević and Sivec reported that stigma regarding
mental health remians pervasive across Slovenian society, leading to
discrimination and social exclusion for individuals with mental illness
(1). Efforts to combat stigma include public education campaigns,
advocacy initiatives, and increased access to mental health services,
yet challenges persist in changing societal attitudes and perceptions
toward mental health (2).
Another study from 2018 examned attitudes toward mental illness of
medical studentents, Maribor Uninversity, Slovenia. This is one of the
only two Medical faculties in Slovenia (the other being in Ljubljana).
The study reported that sixth-year medical students were the most
stigma-free, since they already completed the psychiatry clerkship (it
is completed in the fifth year) and are thus were more educated about
mental disorders.