Internalized stigmatization means a internalized reaction in the person with mentally illness as a answer against the people reject and discrimination.

The peoples with mentally illness believe that most people reject and devalue people with mental illnesses, they may suffer a number of negative outcomes, such as demoralization, lowered self-esteem.

The aim of our study was to identify the relationship between the factors effecting the internalized stigmatization and self-esteem among patients with mentally illness.

In this study, we measured the prevalence of internalized stigma among 115 outpatients referring to the Psychiatry Service of Antalya Education and Research Hospital between 2009–2010 using Rosenberg Self-Esteem(SE) Scale, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness(ISMI) Scale, and Personel Datasheet.

Of the patients, 53.9% had middle level of SE and the 22.00–70.00 ranging of ISMI, 30.4% of the patients were found to be 21–30 years-old. We found the increase of ISMI when SE was decreased in both of gender(p = 0.01, r = -0.67) and it was also found to be decreased of ISMI when the education level was increased in the patients(p = 0.004,r = -0.27). Recurrent hospitalization of the patients increased their ISMI points(p = 0.014, r = 0.23). There was no statistical relation between the living place of the patients and their ISMI points(p = 0.523).

Our results suggest that some factors effected internalized stigma and showed the relationship between the internalized stigmatization and self-esteem among patients with mentally illness. To decrease and prevent internalized stigmatization, a specific education should be provided to patients, families and society by health professionals.