'You+Freak'+-+the+effect+of+stigma+on+mental+health

Name: Alita Rushton Student Number: n8310181 Tutor: Abbey Diaz (Wed 3-4pm)

Click on the link below to watch my artefact
 * ARTEFACT**
 * [|Artefact - TV advert]**

The artefact is a TV advert made by “see me” in Scotland, first shown in 2006. The characters in the ad are cartoon-like, and the main character is named cloud boy; the scene being cloud boy in the school yard with his peers. This ad illustrates a clear demonstration of stigma through cloud boy being bullied because of his mental illness and self-harm behaviours, further showing how this affects cloud boy. At the end of the ad it suggests that it doesn’t have to be that way, and how people can overcome this negative view and treat everyone as a person just like them.

This artefact represents the public health issue of stigma involved in mental health. This is seemingly appropriate as the topic being discussed is mental health among all nations, with a particular focus on the stigma against mental health. A mental health disorder/illness is described as “disturbances of mood or thought that can affect behaviour and distress the person or those around them, so the person cannot function normally” (Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing, 2008). Statistics regarding the issue of mental health, research and theory that discuss the issue of mental health and stigma, and how society and culture are influential to one’s mental health, are included in this discussion.
 * PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE**

Mental health affects approximately 450 million people in the world (World Health Organisation, 2003). With these figures it would be thought that mental health facilities would be full and under high use, however this is not the case. Research shows that stigma against mental health is affecting the usage of services, as it has been proven that only one third of people with a mental disorder are consulted (Andrews, Issakidis, & Carter, 2001, p. 13). This can be linked to the impact that stigma has on mental health. Stigma is described by World Health Organisation (2003) as “manifested by stereotyping, fear, embarrassment, anger, and rejection or avoidance; with myths and misconceptions associated with mental disorders negatively affecting those that suffer from a mental disorder”. These attitudes and behaviours certainly influence if people with mental disorders seek treatment and are consulted, as it is known that stigma is a major barrier to seeking treatment (Corrigan, 2004). Labelling by society (public stigma) is a key factor of mental health stigma against those who have mental disorders. It has been discovered that people avoid seeking mental health counselling because they do not want to be labelled publically as “mentally ill” (Bathje & Pryor, 2011).
 * LITERATURE REVIEW**

In addition to public stigma researchers have found that self-stigma also influences attitudes towards seeking mental health counselling (Bathje & Pryor). Self-stigma is defined as “the reactions of stigmatized individuals towards themselves” (Maccinnes & Lewis, 2008). It has been found, however, that these self-stigma attitudes are stimulated by public stigma (Bathje & Pryor). To explain further, this means that if people with mental illnesses are discriminated against or bullied by society due to their illness, this also affects the way the sufferer views themselves and their illness. Along with societies stigma and effect is parental influence. As proved by Moses (2010) adolescent’s self-stigma was associated with their own perception of the impacts of their mental illness, and more importantly the parent’s likeliness to hide the fact that their child had a mental illness. Furthermore if parent’s are not willing to openly discuss the fact that their child has a mental illness with those around them, they are reinforcing the point that mental illness is something that should be stigmatised towards; negatively influencing their child’s ability to deal with issue and desire to seek help.

Researchers have found that mental health stigma has a great influence on university students, not only do they dread being discriminated against whilst doing their studies, but they also fear that they may be discriminated against in regards to employment (Martin, 2010); therefore this stigma can influence their future prospects. Mental health is also known to affect the sufferers physical health and wellbeing. Compared with the general population, researchers have found that those with serious mental illnesses have an increased risk of chronic disease and a higher morbidity and mortality rate (Robson & Gray, 2007). These rates could potentially increase if those suffering from mental illnesses do not seek treatment and help, as a result of stigma.

A study undertaken analysed and discussed the relationship between stigma and the severity of mental illness; the diagram below clearly displays this relationship. It shows that the severity of the person’s illness and the extent to which they have a psycho-social disability impacts the stigma response regarding that person; further displaying the impact it has on the person’s life and their self-esteem. Whether the person suffering from a mental illness has a severe illness or not the impact on life opportunities, quality of life and self-esteem is high; therefore further supporting the argument that stigma against those with mental illnesses influences their life and self-esteem.

//Source: Gabel, Zaske, & Baumann, 2006//

Emile Durkheim theorises that society is highly influential on an individual’s life, in particular their health and mental health, specifically identifying social integration as a key factor of suicide (Berkman, Glass, Brissette, & Seeman, 2000). Durkheim also discussed ‘anomic suicide’ in which he believes that suicide is related to economic or political societal crises relating to rapid social change (Berkman et al., 2000). This is very relevant to stigma against mental health, as it proves that society and the way those with mental illnesses are treated directly effects the person’s health.

Ample research can be found on the barriers to seeking mental health treatment and the influences of stigma towards the mentally ill. It has been noticed, however, that very few researchers have reported on successful strategies in overcoming stigma, and there was a lack of studies undertaken to test such strategies. Furthermore, researcher David Vogel (2006) raises the need for more research that explores the issue that fear of seeking psychological help is primarily influenced by either self-stigma or other factors. The lack of research in these areas will have impacted and limited the ability to exclusively understand the issue of mental health, with particular relation to stigma.

Those who are most likely to be affected by a mental illness are those in low and middle income countries, and children and adolescents (World Health Organisation, 2011). Statistics show that approximately twenty percent of children and adolescents have a mental illness, and half of mental disorders begin before the age of fourteen (World Health Organisation, 2011). As mental health is known to be a major risk factor for suicide, statistics on suicide must also be considered. It is said that 86% of the 800 000 people who commit suicide every year are from low and middle income countries, with more than half of suicides occurring between the ages of fifteen and forty four, and the highest rates are among men in Eastern European countries. This then leads to the need for consideration of the cultural effects of mental health. In relation to stigma World Health Organisation (2011) found that in South Africa a public survey established that most people believed mental illnesses were related to either stress or lack of willpower, not recognising that they are medical disorders. Environment has also been known to impact mental health, as disasters and environmental emergencies tend to increase the amount of mental disorders that occur (World Health Organisation, 2011).
 * CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS**

Stigma against mental health is most definitely a social issue, due to the influence of stigma from society towards those who suffer from a mental illness. The concerning issue of stigma is described as ones who have mental illnesses being negatively viewed which leads to the sufferer becoming less likely to seek help, and having lower self-esteem and self-efficacy (Corrigan, 2006). Not only does the society that one lives in affect the stigma they receive in regards to their mental health, but it can also influence the likelihood of developing a disorder in the first place. As stated earlier lower and middle income countries at higher risk; therefore their socio-economic class impacts heavily on their mental health.

World Health Organisation (WHO) is most commonly known for taking steps and making movements towards improving mental health; including decreasing stigma against it. WHO has various programs and events supporting improved mental health for example mental health gap program (mhGAP), which aims to help those overcome mental illness particularly in areas where resources are scarce; addressing the environmental and cultural impacts on mental health. In Jamaica it was found that increasing community awareness and having community health care for mentally ill patients was proven to be successful in decreasing stigma towards them, and further increasing the number of people who seek treatment (Hickling, Roberston-Hickling, & Paisley, 2011). Therefore it is clear that public health should increase focus on decreasing stigma against those with mental illnesses, to increase the number of those who seek treatment. Also exploring other factors that inhibit ones seeking mental health treatment would furthermore improve overall mental health of the population.

The artefact represents the effect of stigma against mental health in order to promote anti-stigma relationships with those who have mental illnesses. It is a good illustration of the mental health issue in regards to stigma, because it displays the reality of the effects of stigma, and also gives a clear message to decrease stigma by seeing everyone as them – a person just like us. Personally it has revealed to me that social behaviours and attitudes towards those who have mental illnesses can heavily influence not only their mental health, but also their education, employment, self-esteem and physical health. The artefact has encouraged me to see those with mental illnesses as people just like me, and not to view them and treat them as “different” and “special”. Through doing this assignment I have learned not to be as stereotypical but to think “outside the square”, realising that my attitudes towards people can have a severe impact on their life and their health. I have also gained understanding of how influential ones surrounding culture and community are towards their health and wellbeing. In future I will now be able to demonstrate the use of critically analysing research and social theory, in order to challenge my perceptions and cultural assumptions towards social issues; further accumulating knowledge and understanding of these issues.
 * ANALYSIS OF ARTEFACT AND OWN LEARNING REFLECTIONS**

By Rachel Itzstein (8327513)
 * COMMENTS ON OTHER WIKIS**
 * In response to: **
 * Mental Health of Generation Y: Consumerism and Image to blame? **

I find it very interesting, yet sad, how society and the media have such a large influence on mental health. Particularly generation Y who are so vulnerable to the media's portrayal of any issue. I had not realised that society’s view was narrowing so much, and the impact that had; your discussion on this was very enlightening. I agree that eating disorders are a very clear example of the unrealistic images and portrayal of the “perfect body”. The link you made between the mental and physical illnesses associated with eating disorders made me realise how influential society and culture can be on all aspects of one’s health.  by Emily Smith (n7524862)
 * Subject: **Enlightening discussion on this topic
 * Message: **
 * In response to: **
 * ‘Gen Y gets lost in the realms of cyber space’ **

I love how you related this topic back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; I had never considered this regarding cyber bullying but can now appreciate it most definitely applies. It is quite a confronting issue that cyber bullying has such a large impact on an individual, and how it even further affects their health. Particularly the influence it has on adolescents at such an age where, as you mentioned, their self-esteem and identity are being constructed. I find it amazing how far technology has come, yet disappointing that it has been used in such a negative manner. 
 * Subject:** Great link to Maslow’s hierarchy
 * Message:**

Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing. (2008). //Acronyms and Glossary – mental disorder//. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Glossary#m
 * REFERENCE LIST**

Andrews, G., Issakidis, C., & Carter, G. (2001). Shortfall in mental health service utilisation. //British Journal of Psychiatry, 179//, 417-425.

Bathje, G. J., Pryor, J. B. (2011). The relationships of public and self-stigma to seeking mental health services. //Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 33//(2), 161-176

Berkman, L. F., Glass, T., Brissette, I., & Seeman, T. E. (2000). From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. //Social Science & Medicine, 51//, 843-857.

Corrigan, P. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. //American Psychologist, 59//(7), 614-625.

Corrigan, P. W., Watson, A. C., & Barr, L. (2006). The self-stigma of mental illness: implications for self-esteem and self-efficacy. //Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 25//(8), 875-884.

Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (2003). Investing in Mental Health. //World Health Organisation, Geneva//. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/en/investing_in_mnh_final.pdf

Gabel, W., Zaske, H., Baumann, A. E. (2006). The relationship between mental illness severity and stigma. //Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 113//(s429), 41-45.

Hickling, F. W., Robertson-Hickling, H., Paisley, V. (2011). Deinstitutionalization and attitudes toward mental illness in Jamaica: a qualitative study. //Rev Panam Salud Publica, 29//(3), 169-176.

Maccines, D. L., & Lewis, M. (2008). The evaluation of a short group programmed to reduce self-stigma in people with serious and enduring mental health problems. //Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 15//, 59-65.

Martin, J. M. (2010). Stigma and student mental health in higher education. //Higher education Research & Development, 29//(3), 259-274.

Moses, t. (2010). Adolescent mental health conusmers’ self-stigma: associations with parnets’ and adolescents’ illness perceptions and parental stigma. //Journal of Community Psychology, 38//(6), 781-798.

Robson, D., Gray, R. (2007). Serious mental illness and physical healht problems: a discussion paper. //Internation journal of Nursing Studies, 44//, 457-466.

Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., & Haake, S. (2006). Measuring the self-stigma assoicated with seeking psychological help. //Journal of Counselling Psychology, 53//(3), 325-337.

World Health Organisation. (2011). //10 Facts on Mental Health//. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/mental_health_facts/en/index2.html

World Health Organisation. (2011). //Health Topics: Suicide//. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/suicide/en/

World Health Organisation. (2011).//WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme//. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/en/