International stigma study may help US
Other countries are reporting better recovery rates for people with mental illnesses, like depression and anxiety, than the US. Guess why. Read about a unique research project that's looking into the attitudes regarding people with these disorders in 15 other countries. The hope is that we might learn how we need to change our attitudes that stigmatize people with these disorders and slow their recovery.
All modernized countries have some degree of stigma concerning mental health disorders. Some third-world countries also have their own versions of stigma. Yet, some third-world countries are actually helpful towards their citizens with these disorders. As an example, when I was in graduate school -- don't ask how many years ago! - I interviewed dozens of people about their experiences of the mental health system in the UK. This was during an internship there. I particularly remember one man, an immigrant from Africa. He explained to me that if he was back home, he would be much happier. He said that at least in his African village, he would be asked to chop wood and carry water.
He explained that, in England, he had nothing to do. No one needed him. No one appreciated him. No one expected anything from him -- because he had a mental illness, depression. He was lonely, isolated, living in poverty and had very little positive to say about his life. The stigma he suffered was clear and clearly disabling. In Africa, he would have been needed. He would have had more social interaction. He would have been expected to help. He would have felt useful.
Read my next blogs on how the mental health consumer movement and our mental health systems are recognizing the importance to recovery of eradicating stigma.
All modernized countries have some degree of stigma concerning mental health disorders. Some third-world countries also have their own versions of stigma. Yet, some third-world countries are actually helpful towards their citizens with these disorders. As an example, when I was in graduate school -- don't ask how many years ago! - I interviewed dozens of people about their experiences of the mental health system in the UK. This was during an internship there. I particularly remember one man, an immigrant from Africa. He explained to me that if he was back home, he would be much happier. He said that at least in his African village, he would be asked to chop wood and carry water.
He explained that, in England, he had nothing to do. No one needed him. No one appreciated him. No one expected anything from him -- because he had a mental illness, depression. He was lonely, isolated, living in poverty and had very little positive to say about his life. The stigma he suffered was clear and clearly disabling. In Africa, he would have been needed. He would have had more social interaction. He would have been expected to help. He would have felt useful.
Read my next blogs on how the mental health consumer movement and our mental health systems are recognizing the importance to recovery of eradicating stigma.
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Comment by Deanna Durica on April 6, 2008 at 10:54pm - Hi Jolyn- thanks so much for the interesting posts. The disparities that exist throughout the healthcare system in the US lead to so much morbidity and mortality - stigma is certainly part of this. I've read a lot about disparities in women's health, but I'm not as familiar with the particulars of mental health recovery as it relates to stigma. I'm eager to read more!
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