We must confront our bigotry and prejudice about mental illness

Sep 1 2008 by Ewan Hilton, Western Mail

NUTTER. Schizo. Mental. Most of us have used these words at some point or other, often not meaning anything by it.

However, one in four people experience mental distress in their lifetime, so it is very likely that you have called a “nutter” a “nutter” without even realising it.

Imagine what that felt like for them and how it might have influenced their view of themselves.

Negative stigma, prejudice and ill-informed opinion are some of the most disabling aspects of being mentally ill.

In a recent study, nine out of 10 people experiencing mental ill-health said they have been affected by stigma and discrimination; two thirds said they had stopped doing things such as applying for jobs or going out to pubs and shops because of it.

With films and television productions often portraying mentally-ill characters as violent and unpredictable, and newspapers still using pejorative and inaccurate language, it is perhaps no real surprise that misconceptions abound. It’s time to start setting the record straight.

The risk of being killed by a stranger with a severe mental health problem is roughly one in 10,000,000 – about the same probability as being hit by lightning.

Anyone can experience mental ill-health – a quarter of us do at some point in our lives. That means that we all have an interest in tackling the stigma surrounding it. If we aren’t affected by it directly, then someone close to us will be.

The bad news is that people experiencing mental ill health face discrimination in the work place and are often treated differently by their friends and family.

It’s not surprising that many are unwilling to come out and discuss their mental health openly and honestly.

The good news is that there are methods that have proven successful in changing the public’s attitudes to mental health.

In Scotland, the Executive has been funding a mental ill health anti-stigma campaign called See Me since 2002. It has combined a national publicity programme – including television and cinema adverts, a poster campaign and a dedicated website – with local initiatives, and has already made a difference.

The proportion of Scots who believe those with mental health problems are dangerous, for example, has fallen by around half.

We use a type of language in relation to mental health which most if us would never dream of using in the context of race, gender, sexuality or physical disability.

It reflects our ignorance and reinforces the stereotypes that are so damaging to the life chances of a quarter of the population.

Yes, we need the Welsh Assembly Government to support an anti-stigma campaign here. Yes, we need journalists and media organisations to more accurately reflect the reality of mental ill health.

But we can all take responsibility for confronting our own prejudices. Would your parents, children, siblings and friends admit to you if they had a mental illness?

And, if not, what does that say about you?

* Ewan Hilton is the executive director of Gofal Cymru, a mental health charity that has been working for 18 years in Wales to provide support for people experiencing mental ill health, to enable them to manage their mental health, overcome stigma and live independent and fulfilling lives. The email address is reply@gofalcymru.org.uk