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Putting the campaign into action: Changing Minds campaign DVDs: Stigma

 
"You can judge a civilisation by the way it treats its mentally ill'

So starts this thought-provoking film (9 mins), which explores the origins and nature of the stigma against mental illness and challenges us to re-think our attitudes towards people with mental health problems.
 
The film reminds us how common mental health problems are - 10% of adults have a serious problem with alcohol... 1 in 20 young women has an eating disorder... dementia already affects over half a million people in Britain.
 
We like to think we are rational and civilised, but the veneer can be very thin. For thousands of years the human race believed in the irrational, in spirits and the powers of good and evil. Only in the last 300 years has science developed to the point where we can see people as ill rather than 'possessed'.

When we don't understand something we have a tendency to avoid it, laugh at it or attack it. none of these responses helps people with mental health problems. Stigma is based on four patterns of misunderstanding:
 
  • that people with mental health problems are dangerous - but we are far more likely to be killed by a relative or a friend than by someone with schizophrenia
  • that the problem is self-inflicted: addicts 'bring it on themselves', people with depression are 'weak' - yet there is increasing evidence that depression and addiction are illnesses, just like diabetes
  • that it's hopeless: there's 'nothing you can do' for people with schizophrenia or dementia - but there are already effective treatments and many others are being developed for virtually all mental disorders
  • that you can't communicate with people who have a mental health problem - yet so many respond to a friendly approach and to talking treatments like psychotherapy and counselling
    The media also has a role to play in perpetuating stigma. Think of headlines which use words like 'loony', 'psycho' and 'schizo'. Fortunately, many more people are now complaining when they see these words, and journalists are beginning to listen to those who stand up against stigmtising language.

 

As a society we have made progress in reducing stigma and discrimination in some areas - racism, for example. Mental illness is still a 'Cinderella', but the more people who are prepared to challenge the stigma against it, the closer we shall come to living in a fair society which can tolerate difference.
 
This short, punchy film will provide a stimulus to explore and challenge prejudices - and to change our minds.
 

Stigma  
“1 in 4” (2 minutes)
 
This arresting film (Certificate 15) was developed to be shown in the cinema to coincide with World Mental Health Day 2000. Aimed mainly at young adults aged 15 to 25, it uses some disturbing images to challenge our preconceptions about mental health.

"1 in 4" reinforces the message that anyone can suffer from mental illness - "1 in 4 could be your brother, your sister. Could be your wife, your girlfriend... 1 in 4 could be your daughter... 1 in 4 could me... it could be YOU."
 
In one scene and old woman sits vacantly in a chair while a young man moves close to her and hisses, 'You crazy old bitch...' - but then draws back to reflect that you wouldn't say, 'you crazy old bitch, Mum...' You would understand that your mother is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and is among the 1 in 4 people who have some sort of mental health problem.
 
The film also features cocaine addiction, anorexia and depression, and reminds us that 1 in 4 can you your mother, your brother, your best mate - or you. 'Makes you think, doesn't it?'
 
Download film (20 Mb)
 
N.B. approximate download times 20 minutes (56 kbps dial-up connection); 2 minutes (512 kbps broadband)
 
 
The 'Stigma' and '1 in 4' films are available on DVD (two films in one), priced £15.00.
 
Stigma   To obtain a copy please send a cheque
(made payable to the Royal College of Psychiatrists) to:

The Leaflets Department
Royal College of Psychiatrists,
17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, UK
Tel: 020 7235 2351 x259
 
For further information about the Campaign, please e-mail: stigma@rcpsych.ac.uk
 
Alcohol and drug misuse Alzheimers & dementia Anorexia & bulimia Anxiety Schizophrenia Depression Personality disorder
© 2007 Royal College of Psychiatrists