(AIHW) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – case study, 2016.
“A life without stigma.” This was a data survey done and presented in a video format to make people aware of the social stigma of mental health. Previously, almost a decade back, at least 87% of the people who were suffering from mental health issues were victimized by the uncanny stigmatization. But things are changing now. People have more acceptance; they are more rational and certainly sensitive.
What started to bring about a change regarding stigmatization of mental health?
The change started a few years back, more precisely since 2012 as a mental illness was the third most common prevailing ailment in Australia. One among every five people was suffering from several mental problems.
Stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, and even schizophrenia rates saw a significant increase. Also, children between 4 years and 14 years of age had a rising rate of depression. This was happening as people were not treating or talking about these mental issues fearing social stigma.
Presently, Australia sees a new phase of acceptance.
The stigma of Mental Health – It is time to change.
Previously, only 35% of the people who were suffering from mental illness were taking treatment, and now, it is more than 70%. The realisation that mental illness is a condition, which is not a shameful disease, is a huge leap of progress in society.
One program that started bringing change
National Mental Health Strategy: For the past three decades, the Australian government was trying to educate people about mental health and how they can avoid losing self-confidence. This constant effort of the government to provide facts became all the more successful with the National Mental Health Commission in 2012.
What are the benefits people face after the change?
Change is the only constant thing, and it is definitely good!
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Expert help
As people started visiting psychologists more, they found the appropriate way to deal with their situation and condition. This helps people to channelize in the right path and have the desire to make a positive approach to life.
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Turning more confident
As people around are being more understanding and helping to overcome these situations, they have more confidence to stand up against those illogical comments.
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People around are learning
When living in society, people need to show more acceptance of each other. Since 2012, 22% of them reported having a changed attitude in dealing with mental health issues of others and themselves too. With public education more people dealing with mental Health issues social awareness has in increased.
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Turning taunts into motivation
The one who used to smirk, now smiles. This realisation is crucial to keep people with mental illness motivated to overcome the phase gracefully.
If you still feel that there is stigmatization around you, here is a suggestion on how to deal with it.
5 quick steps to deal with mental health stigma
- Walk up to them
- Smile back
- Take out your earphones and put them on
- Play your favourite track
- Walk away.
In a nutshell just ignore them and know you may have been there and leave them to their own opinions.
Even in the 21st century if people are doing this, they are still stigmatizing; the real mental illness victims are they. Don’t get bothered.
Shake off the stigma of mental health and embrace yourself gladly. It is you who also needs to take part in the change. And the rest will be history.
If you are looking for a Brisbane Psychologist, we at Centre for Human Potential have several Psychologists dealing with a vast variety of conditions. Feel free to contact us and talk to someone about taking the next step.
References:
http://www.mindframe-media.info/for-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/talking-to-media-about-mental-illness/facts-and-stats
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-welfare-services/mental-health-services/data
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma
https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/mental-health-and-stigma
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/focus-areas/stigma-and-discrimination
http://www.lancs-mentalhealthhelpline.nhs.uk/documents/NMHDU_FF6.pdf
http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129547732
