How does discrimination affect people with mental illness?

raft with psychical wellness problems experience umpteen different types of stigma. This article explores the attitudes and beliefs of the general in the frequent eye(predicate) towards great deal with moral complaint, and the lived experiences and feelings of service users and their relatives. Keywords Mental health/Mental ailment/ mug/DiscriminationThis article has been double-blind peer reviewed5 key points 1. Stigma terminate affect some(prenominal) aspects of peoples lives 2. Self-stigma is the process in which people turn stereotypes towards themselves 3. How the general cosmos perceive people with genial health problems depends on their diagnosing 4. Stigma potentiometer be a barrier to seek early treatment, cause relapse and hinder recovery 5. Future search should investigate the experiences of service users and their families to understand and poster the impact of stigmaStigma can pervade the lives of people with psychic health problems in many different ways. According to Corrigan (2004), it diminishes self-esteem and robs people of friendly opportunities. This can include be denied opportunities such as employment or accommodation because of their rachiticness. Stigma in the form of social distancing has been ascertained when people are unwilling to associate with a person with mental illness. This might include non allowing the person to provide child fearfulness, or declining the offer of a date (Corrigan et al, 2001).Self- inequality or internalised discrimination is the process in which people with mental health problems turn the stereotypes ab come to the fore mental illness adopted by the public, towards themselves. They use up they will be rejected socially and so view they are non valued (Livingston and Boyd, 2010).Being discriminated a accumulatest has a huge impact on self-esteem and confidence. This can increase isolation from society and reinforce feelings of exclusionand social withdrawal. The Queensland Alli ance for Mental health (2010) observed that people with mental health problems are oft the object of ridicule or derision and are depicted within the media as organism violent, voluntary and incompetent. It also establish that the myth surrounding violence has not been dispelled, despite evidence to the contrary.In out of work of this, the Department of Health (2004) funded a programme called Shift, which aimed to reduce the discrimination that those with mental ill health face. The DH (undated) found that many people with mental health problems say that the biggest barrier to getting back on their feet is not the symptoms of illness, but the attitudes of other people.Reviewing the literatureEBSCO was used to access the CINAHL, BNI and MEDLINE databases to search for available literature with the keywords discrimination and mental in article titles. This produced a total of 428 articles. The search was then check to narrow down the human body of results. Limits were applied a s follows Publication date was set between January 2000 and December 2010 Original research studies and ledger articles were specified The age range was limited to over 17 years old.The refined search resulted in 155 articles.In order to assess which articles were relevant, bring forward inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. For example, articles that included the general publics apprehension and attitudes towards mental health were included, and only primary research articles were used. Twelve articles matched the criteria.FindingsThe literature reviewed suggested that the way in which the general public perceive people with mental health problems depends on their diagnosis. Those with schizophrenia are seen as dangerous and unpredictable ( crinkle et al, 2000).People with intoxicant and drug addictions are not only seen as dangerous, but the public also blame them for their addiction (Crisp et al, 2005). There unbosom seems to be a general consensus that anyone with ment alillness is un real, curiously in terms of looking after children. Many believe having a mental illness reduces intelligence and the ability to make decisions (Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2005).Discrimination and stimga pee-pee been linked to ignorance and studies show the majority of the public have limited knowledge of mental illness, and the knowledge they do have is a lot factually incorrect. Many still believe schizophrenia means having a split personality. In addition, many do not understand the difference between mental illness and learning disabilities and there is still a common misconception that those with depression can snap out of it (Thornicroft, 2006).Depression and anxiety disorders do not have the same weight attached to them as psychotic illnesses but they are nonetheless stigmatised. People with depression are often seen as wasted and hard to talk to (Thornicroft, 2006). Public opinions seem to be held across the board, with no significant differences in re counting to gender, education level and income. However, there were differences between age groups, with those in their teens or early 20s and those over 50 expressing the most prohibit attitudes (Alonso et al, 2009 Crisp et al, 2005).Crisp et al (2005) noted those in the 16-19-year age range had the most negative attitudes towards people with mental illness, particularly towards those with alcohol and drug addiction. These results are surprising considering widespread reports of young peoples alcohol and drug use. These findings reflect a them and us type of thinking and suggest that many of those who use alcohol and drugs do not consider the possibility that they could become addicted themselves.There were some indications that public opinion had become more positive, suggesting greater tolerance and soul towards mental illness than in old years (Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2005). However, these findings should be interpreted with caution the DH (2001) found huge discrepancies between the views the public expressed in surveys and the actual behaviour as experienced or witnessed by service users and service providers.The mediaThe media have often been accused of sensationalism by portraying mental illness inaccurately in their quest to gain higher ratings. However, the media can also play an important role in reaching out to many different audiences to promote mental health literacy. Celebrities such as Stephen Fry (diagnosed with bipolar disorder) have mouth publicly about their illness and this seems to be effective in reducing stigma (Blenkiron, 2009). Chan and Sireling (2010) described a new phenomenon in which patients are presenting to psychiatrists claiming to have and seeking a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.However, the lived experiences of mental health service users tell a different story to the findings on public attitudes. In the articles reviewed service users utter they experienced stigmatising attitudes and behaviours in many aspects of th eir lives. Common themes emerged across the articles. Many people felt stigmatised as concisely as they were diagnosed with a mental illness, and attributed this to the way in which their illness had been portrayed in the media (Dinos et al, 2004). Receiving a stigmatising chase after has such a negative effect on people that the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and neurology at the demand of the patients families group changed the name of schizophrenia from mind-split-disease to integration disorder (Sato, 2006).EmploymentMany people with mental health problems experienced discrimination when applying for jobs. This included trying to explain gaps in their CV due to episodes of mental ill health. They not only experienced stigma when applying for jobs, but also found that when returning to work colleagues enured them differently, with some experiencing bullying, ridicule and demotion. Service users also faced the dilemma of whether to disclose their illness to friends, family, colleagues or future(a) employers. Many felt they could tell their partner or parents about having a mental illness and still feel supported, but only 12% felt able to tell colleagues (genus Bos et al, 2009).Social stigmaService users report social discrimination in the community, giving accounts of being animal(prenominal)ly and verbally attacked by strangers and neighbours, their property being vandalised, or being barred from shops and pubs those with addictions or psychotic illness tended to experience this more than those with non-psychotic illness. Reports also included examples of being verbalise to as if they were stupid or like children, being patronising and, in some instances, having questions addressed to those come with them rather than service users themselves (Lyons et al, 2009). Dinos et al (2004) found service users felt a range of emotions surrounding their experiences of discrimination, including anger, depression, fear, anxiety, isolation, guilt, overplus an d, above all, hurt.Health and relationshipsService users also encountered discrimination when accessing services such as GPs. They reported professionals as being dismissive or assuming that physical presentations were all in the mind (Lyons et al, 2009). This can result in faltering to return for further visits, which can have a detrimental effect on physical health. This is especially significant, as evidence suggests people with mental illness are at greater attempt from physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and respiratory disease they also have a higher risk of premature death (Social Exclusion Unit, 2004).Developing mental illness can also terzetto to breakdowns in relationships with partners, family and friends. The SEU (2004) reported that a quarter of children had been teased or bullied because of their parents mental health problems. Evidence shows rates of comorbidity of drug and alcohol use and psychiatric problems are believed to be rising (SEU, 2004).Implications for nursingStigma can affect many aspects of peoples lives. Even a brief episode of mental illness can have far-reaching effects on wellbeing, disrupting work, families, relationships and social interactions, impacting on the health and wellbeing not just of patients, but also of their families and friends. This can lead to further psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression.Stigma can be a barrier to seeking early treatment often people will not seek professional help until their symptoms have become serious. Others disengage from services or therapeutic interventions or hang in taking medication, all of which can cause relapse and hinder recovery.If mental illness is treated early enough, it can reduce further ill health, and ultimately the risk of suicide. By intervening at the earliest possible opportunity, people may be able to avoid a full episode of mental ill heath, and retain their jobs, relationships or social standing.The i nternational Council of Nurses (2008) said nurses are fundamental in helping with the promotion, prevention, care, treatment and rehabilitation of people living with mental health problems and support of their families and communities. It is therefore imperative to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and stop these factors impinging on peoples mental wellbeing.The National Service mannequin for Mental Health incorporated standards services essential follow to provide consistent quality of care (DH, 1999). These included guidance on social inclusion, health promotion, tackling stigma and the promotion of opportunities for a normal physique of daily life. The DH (2001) concluded that everyone has mental health needs, whether or not they have a diagnosis of mental illness. Box 1 features recommendations of ways to help reduce the stigma experienced by mental health service users.RecommendationsAs the media can play an important role in reaching out to many people, it is impo rtant to work with and educate them to ensure the portrayal of mental illness is factual, impartial and reliable As those aged under 19 years had particularly negative opinions towards all mental illness, attempts should be made to educate this age group about the issue, particularly on the dangers and effects of substance ill-usage and addiction In order to plan future services and shape policies further research must be undertaken with people who have direct experience of mental illness to gain more understanding of the impact stigma has on their livesConclusionThe literature confirms the public hold negative beliefs about those with mental health problems. Despite national campaigns, there has not been a significant change in the way the public perceive mental illness. While much research has been carried out to explore the publics perception of mental illness, future research should explore the experiences of service users and their families, carers or people close to them to u nderstand and measure the impact that stigma has on their lives. This, in turn, could help to shape interventions and policies for improved legislation to help stop the discrimination faced by those with mental illness.ReferencesAlonso J et al (2009) Perceived stigma among individuals with common mental disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders 118 180-186. Angermeyer MC, Matschinger H (2005) The stigma of mental illness in Germany A trend analysis. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 51 276-284. Blenkiron P (2009) Psychiatry in the Media. London Royal College of headhunters. Bos AE et al (2009) Mental illness stigma and disclosure consequences of coming out of the closet. Issues in Mental Health Nursing 30 509-513. Chan D, Sireling L (2010) I want to be bipolar a new phenomenon. The Psychiatrist 34 103-105. Corrigan P (2004) How stigma interferes with mental health care. The American Psychologist 59 7, 614-625. Corrigan P et al (2001) Prejudice, social distance, and familia rity with mental illness. Schizophrenia Bulletin 27 219-226. Crisp AH et al (2005) Stigmatization of people with mental illnesses a follow-up study within the Changing Minds campaign of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. World Psychiatry 4 106-113. Crisp AH et al (2000) Stigmatisation of people with mental illnesses. The British Journal of Psychiatry 177 4-7. Department of Health (undated) Stigma.