Mental health problems are part and parcel of our society. Many people, because they have
a mental disorder, have to constantly face fear and prejudice from others, usually due to lack of information
and ignorance. Negative reactions, rejection and exclusion by society are common, which has a
negative impact on their general wellbeing, adaptability to adapt and social participation. In other words,
stigma towards mental illness is still stigmatised. The aims of this study are to find out whether university
students have preconceived ideas about mental disorders, and to analyse the main stereotypes and
prejudices about people with serious mental health problems. A total of 162 students from the University
of Burgos took part. The questionnaire “What do you know about mental illness?”, from the Forum
of Aragonese Mental Health Entities was used. Students have a relatively good knowledge of mental
illnesses, but they are not exempt from existing stereotypes and misconceptions about mental disorders
(96.82% and 90.32% respectively). There is a need to include mental health in the training programmes
of future health, education and social service professionals. Universities, from their social commitment,
must fight and strive not to promote stereotypes, help to break down those ideas that generate so much
suffering and favour the comprehensive inclusion of people with mental health problems.
