2nd November GAMIAN-Europe’s 10th Anniversary 2007 Annual Educational Convention Stigma – by and in the family 2 nd November 2007 Zagreb, Croatia Inger Nilsson President

2nd November AGENDA EUFAMI - Introduction Mental Illness Education Stigma Discrimination Media and Mental Illness Stigma - Consequences Ways to eliminate Stigma Guidelines

2nd November History European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness Founded 1992  ‘seed’ sown at family congress at De Haan in 1990  The De Haan Manifesto Founding Principle  commitment to improving care and welfare for all people affected by mental illness – including families and carers  The right to be heard as a group with a ‘vested’ interest Based in Leuven, Belgium

2nd November MENTAL ILLNESS Major Health Problem  untold suffering Effects most families at some stage 1 in 4 will experience a mental health problem One of the most excluded from society Economic costs are enormous

2nd November EDUCATION Some of the common myths  People with mental health problems are violent and dangerous  People with mental health problems are poor and less intelligent  Mental health problems are caused by personal weakness  Mental illness cannot be treated

2nd November STIGMA  Stigma means a mark or sign –of shame, disgrace or disapproval  Being shunned or rejected by others  Disrespect  Negative labels

2nd November DISCRIMINATION The stigma surrounding mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, is strong in our community Discrimination is experienced constantly, e.g.  employment  accommodation  healthcare  finance  simply making friends Stigma affects not only those with the illness, but their families and carers as well

2nd November The First Year 1993 Family/relatives – friends Work Accusations Silence - Pricken Sick leave - Depression

2nd November MEDIA AND MENTAL ILLNESS Topics most commonly reported  crime - homicides, drugs, violent incidents Topics least commonly reported  mental health services, family or user stories Most commonly quoted  lawmakers, victims, health officials Least commonly quoted  people with mental illness, families, carers Media reporting - adverse effect on people with mental illness and their families Reporting is unfair, biased and unbalanced

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2nd November STIGMA - CONSEQUENCES Stigma - one of the most serious and oppressing factors confronting persons with mental illness and their families Impact can be devastating and sometimes fatal Result of stigmatisation  Feelings of isolation and depression are a common The effects of stigma include  Discouragement, hurt and anger  Lowered self-esteem  Broken or disrupted relationships  Negative labelling  Decreased chance of employment

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2nd November Increase in Stigma Feelings, fear, shame “Lumping everyone together” Without nuances Personal Experience Effects – Carer and users

2nd November WAYS TO ELIMINATE STIGMA Education Talking Openly Quality Support and Treatment Personal Role Language Media

2nd November GUIDELINES Treat Mental Illness as a health rather than safety issue Check for internal guidelines for reporting mental illness copy Be aware of language Try to obtain family and carers comments Always consider quoting either user or family/carer If reporting in a ‘crime’ context, be aware of the statistics Consider all sides and the effects that the story may have Media Packs are now available from main voluntary bodies Be sensitive and responsible Nobody is asking for special favours, just balance and justice

2nd November THANK YOU zerostigma