Changes in attitudes towards MH Flashcards
When did the term ‘ Mental health ‘ become popular and why ?
In early 1900s when certain professionals waned to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and show that it it no abnormal. They felt the word ‘illness’ reinforced prejudice because it implied that those with psychological problems were somehow ‘sick’. By focusing on ‘health’ instead, They began to challenge the idea that a small number of people are prone to psychological disorders.
Nowadays what words do we try to avoid and why ?
outdated, stigmatising words such as ‘insanity’ ‘ lunacy’ and ‘madness’ because they suggest that people with psychological health problems are out of control and beyond help.
Why was the Mental health act of 1959 significant in changing attitudes towards MHP ?
First time the term ‘mental disorder’ was used officially.
One aim: ensure people with psychiatric illnesses were treated in a similar way to people with physical illnesses, For example consenting to treatment wherever possible.
Other aim: make local councils responsible for the social care of people with MHPs who do not need to be in-patient medical treatment. This was the beginning of idea of care in community.
How the ‘taboo of silence’ was attempted for be broken in the 1960s ?
The media began to break the ‘taboo of silence’ around the MHP by running programmes and writing articles on various conditions. Along with new openness about MHP came more debates. Szasz 1961 published his ‘Myth of Mental illness’ arguing that Mental illness was not a real illness, and that patients should be held responsible for their actions.
How the ‘taboo of silence’ was attempted for be broken in the 1970s ?
The charity mind campaigned vigorously for the rights of people with MHP arguing that too often they were detained and treated against their will. Mind’s preferred term of ‘metal distress’ rather than ‘ mental disorder ‘ were less stigmatising and intended as a mark of respect to show that patients were people first and foremost and had rights. This was also a time when the first MPU was set up in England to represent the views of survivors of what was seen as an oppressive psychiatric system.
How the ‘taboo of silence’ was attempted for be broken in the 1980s ?
The 1980s saw a rise in community care for those with MHPs. Unfortunately, it was not well funded , which led to cases where people who were not receiving the right care and treatment ended up committing violent acts. Although rare, these cares received a lot of coverage in the media and fuelled negative attitudes towards people with MHP
Through what years did organisations and events were set up to promote a more positive image of people with MHP
- 1980s and 1990s
Include examples
World MH day launched in 1992 and Royal college of psychologist launched their ‘ changing minds ‘ campaign in 1998.
- Popular TV series were encouraged to run storylines that dealt sensitively with issues of mental health
The national attitudes to Mental illness survey was first conducted in 1993, and additional analysis by the the institute of psychiatry King’s college London has been carried out to measure overall levels of change each year since 2003
what did the most recent data show since the beginning of the current time to change programme (2011)
- Estimated 2 million people improved attitudes towards people with MHI. Also shows there was 2.8% improvement in attitudes between 2012 and 2013 - biggest annual shift for a decade
As part of the survey, what was tested and to measure what ?
Number of statements, general public attitude to MHP
Key results from the survey
6% rise in willingness to continue a relationship with a friends with MHP
7% rise in willingness to continue working with someone with MHP
5% rise in willingness to live nearby or with someone with MHP
79% of people acknowledge people with MHI have too long been ridiculed
83% agree ‘no one has the right to exclude people with MHI from their neighbourhood ‘
