How far have we really come from destigmatising mental health conditions?
Over recent years, there has been a shift in how people view and talk about mental health, with portions of the population being more comfortable in having open and honest conversations regarding more vulnerable topics. However, we still see discrimination around mental health disorders or poor mental health through stigmatising attitudes and behaviour. The prevalence of mental health conditions is increasing and despite what appears to be a more receptive environment there is much work to be done.
The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Study (The Mental Health Foundation, and See Me, 2022), is one of few studies to understand the magnitude and complexities of the stigmatisation.
The study was the first of its kind in Scotland and explored where and how people with more complex mental illnesses faced stigma and discrimination and the impact this had on their lives. This included not going to events, not pursuing employment, and stopping themselves from getting medical help. Over three quarters (77%) said they were treated unfairly at work and in mental health care more than half had avoided calling an ambulance or attended at A and E in relation to an emergency healthcare situation. Half said they respected themselves less and 92% said they had experienced stigma in their relationships with family friends.
Rocket Science conducted an evaluation of the See Me programme and sought to measure their impact across their medium and long-term outcomes. The report, now published, highlights where See Me is making a difference and how they can look to continue to reduce and challenge mental health stigma and discrimination across all settings and systems.
The research concluded that See Me is having a wide range of impacts, spanning from individuals, communities, organisations, policy, and society. Whilst there are opportunities to build on the progress being made, the report summarises the actions that See Me can take, some of which are also applicable to the us, in our everyday lives.
- Listen and understand the stories and experience of those with lived experience. Tapping into such powerful and real narratives of the extent of certain individuals’ experiences can have a profound effect on the general population.
- Challenge mental health stigma and discrimination, across all settings. People are now becoming more confident to speak up when someone fails to treat someone with mental health conditions with respect and dignity.
- Understand the terminology and phrases commonly used. We need to use correct and respectful ways to communicate complex topics, as well as recognising common phrases that people use in their day-to-day lives and in the media.
- Recognise that opening up is a difficult task. We need to be ready to be patient and not to judge or show frustration as it can be hard to know when it’s the right time for a conversation.
- Learn to dispel myths or stigmatising attitudes with facts. It can be upsetting to hear misconceptions and archaic viewpoints on mental health, so it is helpful to have some facts and evidence to back up claims and challenge hurtful actions.
Rocket Science continues to build our work in mental health including working on a rapid mapping exercise of men’s mental health services in York and North Yorkshire. This research is the first phase in investing in men’s mental health for the region and aligns with our service mapping and design work. If you would like to find out more about our work get in touch info@rocketsciencelab.co.uk
A blog written by Jamal Hassan, Consultant.
