Table 1 Results of the Principal Components Analysis (followed by Varimax rotation) applied to the 16 items data collected in 5160 population sample

People with depression have caused their problems themselves.²

0.68

Depression is a sign of failure.²

0.68

Depressed people should pull themselves together.²

0.67

Mental health problems are a sign of weakness and sensitivity.²

0.61

Depression is not a real disorder.²

0.59

Patients suffering from mental illnesses are unpredictable.²

0.31

If one tells about his/her mental problems, all friends will leave him/her.¹

0.67

If the employer finds out that the employee is suffering from mental illness, the employment will be in jeopardy.¹

0.64

The professionals in health care do not take mental problems seriously.¹

0.59

Depression can be considered as a shameful and stigmatizing disease.²

0.57

It is difficult to talk with a person who suffers from mental illness.

0.45

0.31

Antidepressants are not addictive.²

-0.78

Antidepressants have plenty of side effects.²

0.68

Society should invest more in community care instead of hospital care.²

-0.81

Depression can't be treated.²

0.37

0.39

You don't recover from mental problems.²

0.32

0.34

0.39