Why Tackle Stigma and Discrimination
1 in 4 people will have a mental health problem at some stage in their lives and 75% of people will know someone who has a mental health problem. Despite this, people with mental health ill-health are one of the most socially excluded groups in society. SAMH’s ‘A world to belong’ report states that people that use mental health services are more likely to live alone (65%), less likely to have a partner (75%) and less likely to be in employment (10% in paid employment).
From the beginning we had to get across some simple key messages: that 1 in 4 Scots would experience mental health problems at some time in our lives; that recovery is possible; that stigma damages and hinders recovery; that we should ‘see the person not the label’.
Highlighting the relationship between stigma and discrimination and social justice can secure support from those individuals, groups and organisations responsible for promoting social inclusion, reducing inequality and promoting social justice.
If we do not work to eliminate stigma and discrimination, people’s recovery will be more difficult. Negative attitudes and behaviours around mental ill-health are a barrier to a mentally healthy and aware society.
Preventing suicide is also hindered as people may not seek help early enough, nor feel able to talk about their problems and difficulties.
Highlighting stigma and discrimination as core issues can secure support from those individuals, groups and organisations involved in promoting recovery, reducing suicide and mental health and well-being improvement.
Planning and Development
The ‘see me’ campaign is most effective in an area that incorporates anti-stigma activity within its local planning and development partnerships. Ideally this should draw upon members from across communities, local authority areas and professional interests, strategically committing funds and expertise to anti-stigma work. Local voluntary groups and service-user and carer led organisations in particular will have a keen interest in tackling stigma and discrimination and must be included wherever possible in planning, implementing and evaluating work.
An International Challenge
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting that depression will be the second most disabling condition across Europe by 2020, mental ill-health is now recognised as a global challenge. In 2005, the European Commission published its Green Paper on Mental Health and in January 2005, Scotland was represented at the signing of the WHO Mental Health Declaration for Europe in Helsinki. This declaration installed mental health as a basic human right. The need to challenge stigma and discrimination is acknowledged in this declaration as a priority, and it is significant that Scotland is leading the stigma element of the Helsinki Declaration within WHO Europe.