Stigma is Everyone's Business
Ending mental health stigma and discrimination is a Scottish and International priority For those of us working in this field, we can use this sense of wider urgency to make a case for action, with politicians, civil servants, directors of health or local authority services, head teachers, employers, neighbours, young people, older adults, families or communities. When the wider agenda supports the ending of stigma and discrimination, then everyone should get involved. The question shifts from ‘why would you?’ to ‘why wouldn’t you?’
Social justice, reducing inequalities, promoting recovery, reducing suicide, promoting well-being, preventing mental ill-health and improving mental health and social care services are all Scottish Government priorities. Challenging stigma and discrimination is a theme that runs through all of these priorities.
Social justice & reducing inequalities
- 1 in 4 people in Scotland will experience mental health problems at some point in their life . Despite this, people with mental health problems are one of the most socially excluded groups in society
- Feeling included in the wider community is an important factor in recovery for those that experience mental ill-health
- The greatest barrier to social inclusion for people with mental health care needs is stigma, and the resulting discrimination, making it difficult for people to work, get treatment and support, physical health care, join in community activities and enjoy life.
- Stigma and discrimination is frequently described as being more difficult to live with than the mental illness itself.
- The Scottish Government is committed to promoting social inclusion, reducing inequality and eliminating stigma and discrimination.
Promoting recovery, reducing suicide & promoting wellbeing
- Recovery from mental ill-health is helped by support from family members and friends
- Up to two thirds of people with a long term mental health problem will recover
- Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die; they want to end the pain they are suffering
Health improvement
- There is said to be no health without mental health.
- Mental health and well-being needs to be an important part of everyone’s role who is involved in health improvement, preventing physical and mental ill-health and providing health and social care and treatment.
- At the heart of all theses activities is the promotion of attitudes, beliefs and values which assist people to flourish, contributing to optimism, hope and the ability to cope with the challenges of life.
- By linking with people responsible for improving health such as health promotion, schools and recreation and leisure services, the ‘see messages’ can be delivered through wider initiatives.
- Equally, those who provide services should hold the attitudes and values supportive of recovery be it physical health or mental health.
Planning and development
- The ‘see me’ campaign can be very effective when anti-stigma activity is incorporated within local planning and development partnerships.
- Partnerships can draw on members from across communities; local authority areas and professional interests.
- Within partnerships, local authorities and the NHS have a vital part to play working with the voluntary sector and service users and carers in eliminating stigma.
An International Challenge
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports 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 and Scotland was represented at the signing of the WHO Mental Health Declaration for Europe in Helsinki.
- The WHO 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.