Mental Health and Stigma

Question 1

What are the two definitions of mental health stigma?

Answer 1

1. Social Stigma
   - prejudicial attitudes and discrimination towards individuals with mental health issues (Davey, 2014).
2. Self-Stigma
   - Perceptions of discrimination are internalising by the individual with mental health problems, leading to feelings of shame (Davey, 2014).

Question 2

Explain the impacts of mental health stigma.

Answer 2

• Around 90% of mental health sufferers report that stigma and discrimination have had a negative effect on their lives (Mental Health Foundation, 2015)
• People can experience stigma from society, family, friends and work colleagues, which can affect all aspects of their lives (Moses, 2010; Wallace, 2010)
• People with mental health problems are less likely to be included in society, to find work, to be in a stable relationship and live in decent housing (MHF, 2015)

Question 3

Explain the beliefs held about mental health problems.

Answer 3

• Mostly negative beliefs from society.
• individuals with mental health problems are considered to be unpredictable and dangerous (Reavley and Jorm, 2011)
• some people think that some mental health disorders are self-inflicted (Crisp et al., 2000)
• some people believe that mental health problems are caused by a lack of self-discipline and will-power. undeserving of sympathy (Mehta et al, 2009).
• People with MH problems considered a burden on society. Spending on MH services is seen as a waste of money (Mehta et al., 2009).

Question 4

What are the causes of mental health stigma?

Answer 4

• historical conceptions of mental health problems, suggest these individuals should be treated with caution and/or fear.
• media (film depictions and new stories) display negative beliefs about people with MH problems.
• Impaired social skills and unused behaviours linked to MH problems can lead to social isolation.
• medicalisation of everyday MH problems leads to perceptions that individuals are ‘different’ from ‘normal’ members of society.

Question 5

Explain why mental health stigma is important.

Answer 5

• stigma can worsen mental health problems (due to reduced social support, reduced self-esteem)
• stigma can be a barrier to seeking help for a MH problem. This could be fatal.
• stigma = important predictor for the relapse of symptoms and non-compliance to treatment.
• stigma has negative impacts on employment success.
• stigma can lead to individuals feeling marginalised from society.

Question 6

How can stigma be reduced or eliminated?

Answer 6

Educate: many prejudices regarding mental health are a result of poor understanding of the nature of MH problems.

Challenge: existing negative stereotypes including how MH problems are portrayed in the media.

Facilitate: create positive intergroup contact between individuals with and without mental health problems.

Time to Change UK: promote awareness of mental health problems and challenge stigma and discrimination.