Influence+of+media+on+mental+health+and+associated+stigma

Erin McLean n8296413 Judith Meiklejohn

Artefact



This picture, taken by an MRI scanner, depicts a human brain and is situated next to a famous quote from Bill Clinton, 42ndAmerican president in office from 1993 until 2001. This sentence was used during a radio address by the president in 1999 when he was attempting to educate the American public about the stigma of mental health. This quote is still commonly used today when discussing the influence stigma and discrimination has on mental health outcomes. Matthews et al (2006) defines stigma as “a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear,reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness.”

Public Health Issue

This artefact represents the advances in modern medicine (MRI scan image) in regards to the treatment and prevention of mental disorders but simultaneously symbolises the close affiliation stigma and discrimination have with patient’s treatment results. This essay will discuss the full extent that stigma impacts on those suffering from mental illness. As well as critically analysing the current measures the Australian government has taken to improve mental health treatment and care. Furthermore it will investigate the involvement of media in regards to clinical health care and societal stigma.

Literature Review

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”. World Health Organisation figures from 2011 showed that, 450 million people worldwide suffer from a mental of behavioural disorder. In addition to economic barriers, people suffering from mental disorders experience a range of human rights violations, social stigma and discrimination. A result of such stigma is the ability to affect access to appropriate care and therefore their ‘return’ to society through their recovery (WHO, 2003).

Mental illness is extremely prevalent in Australia with almost half (45%) of Australians aged between 16 and 85 experiencing a lifetime mental disorder and 20% experiencing a 12-month disorder (ABS, 2008). In 2003 mental illnesses were among the top contributors to disease burden in Australia, sitting at 13% of the overall total. On top of this, mental illness is among the largest causes of disability, reduced quality of life and drop in productivity (ABS, 2006). A progressive increase in the prevalence of long-term mental or behavioural problems can be seen over the last three National Health Surveys. Although this could reflect an increased willingness for Australians to report mental disorders the Australians Bureau of Statistics stated that their statistics may underestimate the extent of mental disorders in Australia. This could be due to the fact that stigma has been identified as a key barrier to people pursuing and receiving mental health care (Golberstein et al, 2008). The government has placed such importance on the issue by making it a National Health priority area, specifically focusing on depression due to its links to other health risk behaviours such as illicit drug use and alcohol misuse (AIHW, 2011).

However in order to fully grasp the severity of the mental health issue in Australia the incidence of mental disorders across particular population demographics must be considered. The Australian Institute of Mental Health and Welfare (2011) indicated that mental health disorders are more prevalent among those Australians living in rural and remote areas as opposed to those in urban areas, and in people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Subsequently, the 2007 Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing stated that of those suffering from 12-month disorders, women showed higher rates than men, 22% compared to 18%. Women also experienced higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders, while men displayed twice the rate of substance abuse disorders than women. The most surprising, was the group of Australians aged between 16 and 24 who experienced the highest rates of 12-month disorders at 26% (ABS, 2008).Once again these figures have the possibility of being inaccurate, as Reavley & Jorm (2011) suggest that approximately only one third of young people experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms seek appropriate medical assistance. Not only does this age group of 18 to 24 years old experience the highest rates of disorders but they also suffer from increased stigma due to the fact that stigmatising attitudes are common more so among young people. Such beliefs can cause barriers to seeking help, thus enclosing the sufferer in a belief of abnormality and exclusion (Reavley & Jorm, 2011).

An article in the Mental Health Weekly Digest (2010) describes evidence that community-centred health care has shown to be a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to hospital-based care, in particular for the prevention and care of persistent long-term conditions such as mental health disorders. The services include clinical care provided by professionals outside a hospital situation, residential services and programs provided by non-government organisations. Despite the limited health outcomes and unsustainability, Rosen, Gurr & Fanning (2010) state the majority of Australia’s health care remains dominated by hospital-based care. Furthermore, the involvement of the government in retreating from and in some cases dismantling community centres is extremely intriguing and questions their motives.

Rosen et al (2010) elaborates further on the government’s motives. Politicians are firstly concerned about budget control in order to allow greater flexibility over the limited resources available to them in the face of great community expectations and demand. Secondly, they have the tendency to bow to community pressure, because dense media coverage is centred on the shortage of beds and hospital waiting lists. While similar situations occur in community centres they have been ignored by the media and therefore by politicians. Additionally, state governments find it difficult to resist the demand and funnel funds from low-profile areas, community health care centres to hospitals.However movements are being made in the right direction, The National Mental Health Report 2010 showed that in 2008 the community share of mental health expenditure had increased to 53% ($1683million). This figure has increased since 2008 due to a further $227.6 million included in the federal budget which will be used to expand successful community mental health programs (Australian Nursing Federation, 2011).

The media has substantial influence over the community and the shaping of their opinions. As a result negative portrayals of mental illness in the media have the ability to play a role in propagating information (Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2011). Rüsch, Angermeyer, & Corrigan(2006) explain that media analyses of film and print have caused the identification of three misconceptions about people suffering from mental illness.They are viewed as either a homicidal maniacswho should be feared; they are rebellious, free spirits; or have childlike insights about the world that should be wondered. The results from a study conducted in Australia somewhat support this theory, as the school children surveyed displayedincreased recognition of depression that was associated with the belief that depression was a sickness rather than a sign of weakness. Despite this, the majority of children still felt that those people suffering were dangerous and unpredictable (Reavley & Jorm, 2011). This increased recognition could be due to numerous programs being conducted in schools, like Mind Matters, KidsMatter and Response Ability which focus on secondary/primary students and teachers respectively. Stafford (2007) describes studies in the US and in Australia which have showed positive results in regards to mental health as well as better behaviour and stronger academic performance. Therefore the media is both friend and foe when it comes to the stigma associated with mental health.

Cultural/Social Analysis As previously mentioned the media has both the possibility to negatively and positively impact mental health outcomes, in particular those surrounding stigma and discrimination. In the scenario that a person is negatively affected by stigma, Rüsch et al (2006) describe the dual problem faced, in that, not only do they have to cope with the symptoms of their disorders but they also must deal with the disadvantages of society’s reactions.Whether that may mean discrimination from employers, or whether society’s prejudices cause themto adopt the same views about themselves and thus lose self-confidence (self-stigma).

The issue of stigma can be seen as either a social injustice or as a public issue. Corrigan et al (2005) discusses the social justice perspective, in that all people are fundamentally equal and therefore have the same right to respect and dignity.By applying this to mental health stigma it enables us to increase our understanding of the problem and as a result expandthe means to which we can remove stigma. Unfortunately, the issue isn’t straight forward. Rüsch et al (2006) details that as human beings living in a multicultural society like Australia, it is natural that stereotypes form about certain groups of people. Prejudiced people take stereotypes and endorse their negativity (“All people with mental illness are violent”) and as a result condone negative reactions (“They scare me”).These stereotypes and prejudice are unable to produce stigma without the accompaniment of social, economic or political power. Link and Phelan (as cited in Rüsch et al, 2006) support these views has a sociological angle that allows for the connection to social aspects of Australian society.That is, the labelling process as a precondition to stigma and that the stigmatizing group must be in a more powerful position to those being stigmatised.This second point is highly valuable to consider when you apply practical evidence. For example, the higher rates of mental illness present in Aboriginal persons and homeless persons.Of the 484,400 people who reported ever being homeless, more than half (54%) had a 12-month mental disorder, which is almost three times the prevalence of people who reported they had never been homeless (19%) (ABS, 2008).

Corrigan et al (2005) recognises that stigma is basically a public health issue due to the fact stigma prevents thosewho deserve it from receiving medical treatment and blocks life opportunities becausethey are ‘mentally ill’.The public health approach to stigmaconcentrates on the ways in which the stigma harms those with mental illness. As a result the approach to decreasing mental health stigma largely relies on education programs centred on medical information.The medical information is used to describe that mental illness is a disease of the brain which can be treated effectively.Studies have shown that this is effective in reducing the blame, unfortunately exacerbating stigma as it reinforces such ideas of differences.

Both Corrigan et al (2005) and Rüschet al (2006) agree that an integrated approach would offer the most potent approach to overcoming the issue, consisting of protest, education and contact. Protest is applied against stigmatizing statements, advertisements and media reports, for example anti-stigma campaigns.Education involves informing the public about mental illness, for example programs conducted in schools. Finally contact consists of interaction with those suffering from mental illness to support the education step. This has shown positive results, as persons are less likely to stigmatize and therefore is an important strategy to decrease stereotypes and mental health stigma. As a result of these findings Australian public health should focus on successful long-term campaigns and education programs in order to overcome the barrier of stigma.

Analysis of Artefact My artefact is symbolic in terms of representing the significance of treating stigma in order to effectively deal with the public health issue of mental illness. The World Health Organisation (2003) released a report stressing the fact that mental illness cannot be dealt with effectively without having dealt with the stigma and discrimination in the process. After extensive research, it became clear the extent to which positive and negative media are central to the issue and therefore how important it is to filter media when attempting to reduce both public and self-stigma. On top of this, as the quote (Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but bias and stigma ashames us all) is from Bill Clinton, it signifies the importance of governments to reframe from bowing to community and media pressure and to consider the most appropriate long-term actions in order to benefit all Australians suffering from mental disorders. By critically analysing this topic, I have learnt how wide spread mental health is in Australia and the importance to not only help those suffering receive treatment but to support them through their recovery. Additionally I have learnt of the dominance the media has over the public and their opinions and as a result I feel that through writing this assignment I know understand and have removed my own stigma towards mental illness.

Commentary Psychotherapy versus Medication treatment in the mentally ill Name: Jacqueline Toumbas Student Number: n8290831 Tutor: Colleen

Hi Jacqui! Really well written wiki! I found the results of the studies you discussed to be very interesting. In that, the results contradicted on another in regards to which treatment was more effective. I feel that this goes to show that there is indeed a 'battle' between both forms of mental illness treatment to which one is more beneficial. I also enjoyed your use of graphs to support your in-depth theory because as a visual learner, they enabled me to understand your discussion in more depth. I love your choice of artefact as it was not only relevant to your topic but it was interactive. Your artefact analysis was detailed and extremely insightful. Well done!

R U OK? The Importance of Social Inclusion Name: Paras Vasiliou Student number: n8323763 Tutors name: Katie Page

Hi Paras! Thoroughly enjoyed reading your wiki! It is clear that you have conducted extensive research about social exclusion, and I was shocked to learn about some of the figures regarding the negative impact on mental health due to poor social interaction. This was especially true when I read the statistics that 1 in 6 do not have physical contact for a year, simply unbelievable! I love the angle you have chosen for your wiki because of its relevance in today’s society. You have analysed and explored the social and cultural implications of exclusion in great depth. Good choice of artefact, I found it very interactive. Well done! References

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Australian Nursing Federation. (2011). Budget health wins, //Australian Nursing Journal, 18//(11), 7. Retrieved from: [] &userGroupName=qut&docId=A258598777&docType=IAC

Corrigan, P., Watson, A., Byrne, P., & Davis, K. (2005). Mental illness stigma: Problem of public health or social justice?, //Social Work, 50//(4), 363-368. Retrieved from: [|http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=c6eed70c-3e43-4c14-8204-7a86ad897b03%40sessionmgr113&vid=1&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=c8h&AN=2009167317]

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Golberstein, E., Eisenberg, D., & Gollust, S. (2008).Perceived stigma and mental health care seeking, //Psychiatric Services//, //59//(4), 392-399. Retrieved from: <span style="font-family: 'calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Matthews, A., Corrigan, P., Smith, B., & Aranda, F. (2006). A qualitative exploration of African-Americans' attitudes toward mental illness and mental illness treatment seeking, //Rehabilitation Education, 20//(4), 253-268. Retrieved from: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Mental Health Weekly Digest. (2010, May 24) New findings in mental health described from University of Sydney. Retrieved from: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">&userGroupName=qut&docId=A226852908&docType=IAC

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Mental Health Weekly Digest. (2011, March 28). Mental Health; Mental Illness and Stigma in the News Media. Retrieved from: <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[]

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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Rosen, A., Gurr R., & Fanning, P. (2010). The future of community-centred health services in Australia: Lessons from the mental health sector, //Australian Health Review, 34//(1), 106-115. doi: <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">10.1071/AH09741

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Rüsch, N., Angermeyer, M., & Corrigan, P. (2005). Mental illness stigma: Concepts, consequences and initiatives to reduce stigma, //European Psychiatry, 20//(8), 529-539.doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2005.04.004

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Stafford, K. (2007). Mental health promotion in schools, //Issues, 80//(1), 4-6. Retrieved from: []

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">The World Health Organisation. (2003). //Investing in Mental Health//. Retrieved from: []

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">The World Health Organisation. (2010). //Mental Health Atlas 2011.// Retrieved from: []