Objective: To understand the meaning of stigma for people with mental disorders.
Method: A qualitative study with 46 Brazilian adults with mental disorders. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and nonparticipant observation and submitted for a thematic analysis with symbolic interactionism.
Results: Stigma was considered as an experience of incomprehension and suffering. The society has difficulty in empathizing, respecting differences and understanding the extent of the suffering of people with mental disorders. Participants recommended anti-stigma strategies that included promoting knowledge and respecting differences.
Conclusions: The present study contributes new insights to be addressed in interventions to reduce the suffering and impact of stigma.