Abstract
Stigmatization is one of the reasons why people suffering from mental illness rarely seek a voluntary consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Furthermore they often do not seek professional help on time and start treatment when the disease is already in advanced stage. This attitude is a consequence from the traditions, stereotypes and prejudices in the different countries. The numerous prejudices follow from the misunderstanding of the psychiatric illnesses and are connected to irrational fears from loss of control, weaknesses and dangers. Worldwide, more than 70% of the people with mental illness do not receive medical treatment. The data shows that the factors increasing the probability of avoiding or delaying the treatment are: lack of general knowledge to identify the symptoms of mental illness; misinformation about the access to treatment; prejudice against people with mental illness; fear of discrimination by institutions.
For the present study a questionnaire has been constructed. 229 questionnaires were completed and processed, of which 75 were answered by people who have relatives suffering from mental illness and 154 without such relatives. The results between the two groups are similar. Most of the respondents from the both groups believe that funding for psychiatric care is insufficient.
People who have relatives with mental condition demand more medical examinations for their relative as well as the need for better follow-up system, realizing the need for qualitative and affordable psychiatric care. Regarding the defining of the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist, about half of the participants define them objectively as well as the range of work of these specialists. The respondents adequately determine the reason for seeking psychiatric and psychological help. The smallest number of respondents answered negatively and formally. In conclusion, the study shows that both of the groups have rather positive attitude and support the people suffering from mental illness.

Key words: structural stigma, psychiatric illness, psychiatric care, stigma, mental health