Mental+Illness+-+The+Undefined+and+Hidden+Burden.

Name: Charlotte Yates Student Number: n8316694 Tutor: Sophie Miller = =

**__ Mental Illness: The Undefined and Hidden Burden __** The Mark of Shame

==== As the stigmatisation of mental illness promotes shame and silence, and the topic of mental illness is rarely discussed openly. The Mark of Shame cover provides a thorough and compelling depiction of stigmatisation. ====

==== Mental health embodies the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being. It provides individuals with the necessary tools for active living, to achieve day-to-day goals and to interact with other in to community. Mental health issues amounts to a large and increasing part of the Australian burden of disease and injury. Within Australia, mental illness is a national health priority area, due to as many as one in every two Australians been affected directly or indirectly with a mental health problem in a twelve month period and many will live with more than one mental illness at a time, such as anxiety and depression. ====

==== According to the Australian Bureau of statistics mental health is a state of complete emotional and social wellbeing that impacts how an individual copes with day-to-day stresses and how they interact with other people and their environment to promote wellbeing (Australian Bureau of statistics, 2007). Mental illness refers to a range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural disorders that interfere with the lives and productively of individuals (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). ====

==== Mental illness is an important issue as it is the third largest contributor to the total disease and injury burden in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics one out of every five Australians will experience some form of mental illness each year, and from that one in two Australians will have been directly or indirectly affected by mental illness (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007). ====

==== Apart from the social impact of mental illness, evidence suggest the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse problems in adults and children, the emotional, and the economic burden on individuals, families and communities is substantial. The Australian mental health organisation, //beyondblue//, estimates that the economic impact of mental illness and related mental disorders accounts for $3 billion lost annually by not addressing the this public health issue (//beyondblue//, 2006). However the actual economic burden place on Australians is $20 million annually, these include costs due to premature death and disability, condition of treatment and support services, reduced work productivity and loss of income. As socioeconomic status directly affects a person's lifestyle including occupation, income, and education, the growing mental health burden poses a significant threat to our nation future workforce and economic prosperity (VicHealth, 2007). ==== ==== Biological contributions, individual, family and community thoughts and perceptions, social pressures, and environmental stressors, core values, and self-worth are just a few of the things that also contribute either negatively or positively to the social and economic burden of mental illness. However the true economic burden of mental illness is undefined. ====

==== The hidden burden of mental illness is the stigma surrounding mental illness. Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace, which sets a person apart from others. In today’s society much shame, disgrace and stigma still surrounds mental illness, which means many people suffering from mental illness are challenged triply. Individuals struggle with the symptoms that are associated with the disease, discrimination through public policy and funding, as well as the stereotypes and prejudice that are a result of misconceptions widely endorsed by the general public. A large survey of mental health service clients conducted by The Mental Health Foundation found that 56% reported experiencing stigma within their own family, 51% from their friends and 47% reported been abused/harassed in public. Research has shown that young people are more likely to have misconceived attitudes towards mental illness then the general public (SANE Research, 2007). ====

==== The stigma of mental illness can be as harmful as the symptoms, leading to family discord, job discrimination, and social rejection (Department of Health, 2006). There are three main types of stigma associated with mental illness. Firstly, self stigmatisation is an internalised stigma that affects an individual suffering from mental illness self-esteem, self-efficiency and negative stereotyping. Second, public stigma tops the list in today’s society, fuelled strongly by media coverage generating stereotypes, fear and rejection that create longstanding negative attitudes, and lastly, institutional stigma which occurs when public policies and funding decisions are made that discriminate against people with mental illness. Reducing stigma requires community education and willingness among individuals to challenge themselves and other when discrimination occurs. The media has an important role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness by informing, educating and influencing individual and community attitudes about mental illness (Corrigan, 2002). ====

==== Social participation in sport and recreation activities can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Participation in group recreation provides a sense of value, belonging and attachment. According to Bandura’s social cognitive theory, behaviour is shaped by the interaction between individual and environmental factors. This theory emphasizes the influence of social interaction in relation to behaviour (Harrison, 1997). ====

==== The same social cognitive theory can show the correlation between poor social networks and mental illness, individuals who are socially isolated are two to five times more likely to suffer from a mental disorder in their life time. Therefore, belonging to a social network ensures good mental health, as individuals feel cared for, loved, esteemed and valued within a societal group. These supportive relationships also encourage healthier behaviour patterns (VicHealth, 2007). This form of belonging, social inclusion is a way of providing support and opportunities for meaningful social engagements, social networks and social ties which have a beneficial effect on mental health outcomes. ====

==== Our social identity, the way in which individuals identify themselves within social groups is largely influenced by the labelling theory, because social identity is directly related to how we perceive somebody, abnormal behaviours will have a impact on an individuals identity. One main example of this in popular culture is the negative labelling of mental illness (Prevos, 2006). Popular culture stereotypes mental illness in negative and shameful light, with many prejudice been a direct result of misconceptions widely endorsed by the general public ====

==== The cultural concept of individualist versus collectivism can be related to mental illness. Within Australia’s individualist societies, individuals are more prone to personality disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and clinical depression. The individualist structure presents many problems for the individual and for society, placing greater responsibility on the individual for frailties that are actually symptomatic of a troubled culture. In contrast, collectivist places much emphasis and value of a group dynamic, ensuring that individual feel cared for, loved, esteemed and valued within a societal group. According to evidence increased cases of mental illness can be related to individualist cultural values (Kappeler, 2003). ====

==== Stigma is defined as the mark of shame leading to the rejection by others. The stigma surrounding mental illness is real and has devastating affects with annually with one in every two people affected directly or indirectly by mental illness. For those suffering, their families and the community mental illness causes untold pain and severely impairs their ability to function in the world. Within today’s society we have begun to understand and develop a range of effective treatments and diagnose of mental illness, however, even with this shift from moralistic views outright rejection remain strong. The Mark of Shame cover provides a thorough and compelling depiction of stigmatisation which has not changed over the ages. Society is ingrained with prejudice towards mental illness and those suffering are perceived to be unpredictable and must be marked. Reinforcement of these popular culture myths through the media can perpetuate the stigma surrounding mental illness, precipitating shame, self-blame, and silence, all of which discourage affected individuals from seeking treatment. Looking forward the aim is to continue to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, ensure myths surrounding mental illness are dispelled, and the continued break down of social barriers and the stigma attached. ====

==== This assignment has helped in my knowledge and understanding of mental illness. I have learnt of the many social and economic burdens that are afflicted on individuals with the illness, their family, friends and community. The most interesting aspect of this assignment was learning about the statistics and misconceived facts about mental illness and the strong stigma still surrounding mental illness in today’s modern society. I was surprised to see how little our ideas and perception of mental illness have changed, to still have an exceeding number of people’s outright rejection of mental illness. ====

// Mental WHO? // – Unknown

The artefact chosen for your assignment on, mental health is a very strong one and really depicts the message you are trying to convey. You have done an excellent job of researching the topic at hand and used relevant and up to date sources of information to back up your arguments. You assignment showed a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the topic and I truly enjoyed reading it, great job.

// Mental Health and social stigma // - Leah Jordan

Your assignment was a well written and showed your in depth knowledge of the topic of mental health. The information used throughout your assignment was well constructed, researched and sourced from reputable websites and databases. The artefact chosen for topic seemed well thought out, appropriate and related really well to the message of stigmatisation. Your writing followed really well making your assignment easy to understand and read. I was engaged and interested to learn more, really great job.

==== VicHealth. (2007). Burden of disease: Due to mental illness and mental health problems. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from [|http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/~/media/ProgramsandProjects/MentalHealthandWellBeing/Publications/Attachments/Research%20Summ%20BOD_FINAL_Web.ashx] ====

==== Australian Bureau of statistics. (2007). National survey of mental health and wellbeing: summary of results. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from: [] ====

==== Corrigan, P. W. & Watson, A. M. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. //Journal of the World Psychiatric, 1//(1), 16-20. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from [] ====

==== Harrison, A., Rainer, W., Kelly, R., Hochwarter, W. & Thompson, K. (1997). Testing the self-efficiency-performance linkage of social-cognitive-theory. //The Journal of Social Psychology, 137//(1), 79-87. ====

==== Tensey, J. & O’Riordan. (1999). Cultural theory and risk: a review. //Health, Risk and Society, 1//(1), 71-90. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from [] ====

==== Kappeler, F. (2003). Defining mental illness: Collectivist versus individualist approaches. Retrieved October 22, 2011 from [] ====

==== Hinshaw, S. (2011). //The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change// [picture]. Retrieved October 20, 2011 from http://www.tower.com/mark-shame-stigma-mental-illness-agenda-for-change-stephen-p-hinshaw-paperback/wapi/114069092 ====