A new national advertising campaign aims to change attitudes that stigmatise mental health problems. Angela Kerinsexplains.
While most people who have experienced mental health difficulties go on to lead full lives in their communities, it is an unfortunate fact that many people with mental health difficulties continue to face negative public attitudes and exclusion.
Research and the lived experiences of people with mental health difficulties make one thing clear: it's time we moved beyond labels and saw the whole person.
Recent research published by the National Disability Authority (NDA) documenting the attitudes of the public to people with mental health difficulties across the life cycle makes disappointing reading.
It found that half of the public thought that children with mental health difficulties should not be in the same school as other children.
Only 7 per cent thought employers would employ people with mental health difficulties, and only two out of five respondents agreed that people with mental health difficulties should have children if they wish.
Stark figures indeed. In fact these attitudes have not improved significantly since the NDA ran a similar survey in 2001. That these attitudes are so pervasive is surprising because most of us know someone who has a mental health difficulty.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in four of us will experience a mental health difficulty at some point in our lives.
The NDA has initiated a major advertising campaign to challenge these attitudes. Launched by Jimmy Devins, the Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health and disability, it aims to challenge stigmatising attitudes and to break down the stereotypes of people with mental health difficulties.
The campaign's TV, radio and bus shelter advertisements feature a number of people who have experienced mental health problems, including a prominent GAA personality, a journalist, a top chess player and a senior business figure.
Their stories and their notable achievements in their sporting, work and family lives show us that all around us people who have had a mental health difficulty are living their lives to the full.
Research has shown that those who have had direct contact with a person with a disability have more favourable attitudes towards people with disabilities generally. Where there is no direct contact, attitudes can be based on misconceptions or prejudices.
Negative attitudes lead to the social exclusion of people with mental health difficulties.
We know that being at work is one of the most important factors in recovering from a mental health problem and staying well. One survey cited by the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) has shown that 90 per cent of people with mental disorders wish to be in employment. Yet figures also show that only one in seven people with mental health difficulties have a job.
This may be partly explained by recent NESF research indicating that almost one-quarter of employers would be reluctant to employ someone with a history of mental health difficulties.
People with mental health difficulties may also be isolated within their communities. Family, friends, neighbours and local communities play an important role in supporting the recovery of a person.
Research shows that social relationships and networks are important protective factors against the onset or recurrence of mental health difficulties.
In Ireland this social support may be lacking because, according to the NESF, four out of five people with a long-term mental health difficulty live alone.
Given the importance of early intervention, negative attitudes towards children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties must trigger our urgent concern.
According to the Government's 2006 policy A Vision for Change, at any point in time about 2 per cent of children may require specialist mental health help but that stigma is a powerful barrier to parents and young people seeking help.
At the other end of the life cycle, between a fifth and a quarter of older people have symptoms of depression and require intervention, yet stigma also deters older people from accessing supports.
We all have a role to play in fostering a society where those experiencing mental health difficulties find support and practical help.
We all have a role to play in challenging and, hopefully, changing the attitudes of the people of Ireland.
As the message in the campaign says: Think Again - See the Whole Person.
Angela Kerins is chairwoman of the National Disability Authority.
Further information from www.nda.ie