Helping People with Mental Illness
Helping People with Mental Illness
The Fellowship works closely with both state and national media bodies to ensure that schizophrenia and other mental illnesses are discussed openly and honestly so that the direct effects of stigma can be reduced and to promote early intervention and prevention.
What is stigma?
Stigma means a mark or sign of shame, disgrace or disapproval, of being shunned or rejected by others. The stigma surrounding schizophrenia is strong in our community, so strong in fact, that people with schizophrenia find themselves discriminated against at almost every turn, from finding employment or accommodation to simply making friends. It is important to recognise that stigma affects not only those with schizophrenia, but their families as well.
What are the consequences of stigma?
Stigma may be one of the most serious and oppressing factors confronting the person with schizophrenia. Its impact can be devastating. Feelings of isolation and depression are a common result of stigmatisation, with suicide becoming an option for some. The negative effects of stigma include:
-Discouragement, hurt and anger
-Lowered self-esteem
-Disrupted relationships
-Negative labelling (even in the absence of unusual behaviour individuals are shunned)
-Decreased chance of employment; Possible contribution to relapse
What can be done to reduce stigma?
Education: Educating the community on mental illness both at school and in wider community settings is an effective way of increasing awareness and changing negative attitudes. It is important for people to learn to think about mental illness in the same way they think about other illnesses or conditions.
Talking Openly: Talking openly about mental illness is important. It is surprising how many people are affected by mental illness, or have a family member or friend who is, and are too afraid of rejection to discuss it openly. The problem should not be swept under the carpet.
Quality Support and Treatment: For people with schizophrenia to participate fully in all areas of community life, it is important to provide high quality support and treatment services. Advocacy groups should be proactive in their fight against the stigma surrounding mental illness, both for people with schizophrenia and their families.
Consumer Role: It is important for people with schizophrenia to play an active role in challenging stigma. Promoting consumers as positive role models (both for other consumers as well as the general public) may be an effective method of reducing stigma. It is also...