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Stigma
You can
judge a civilisation
by the way it treats its mentally
ill'
So starts this thought-provoking
video, 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 video
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 video will
provide a stimulus to explore and challenge prejudices - and to
change our minds.
The campaign would like to thank
Bristol Myers Squibb Ltd and Janssen-Cilag Ltd for their generous
help in producing this video.
VHS Video
copies are available for £5.00
To obtain a copy please send a cheque
(made payable to the Royal College of Psychiatrists) to:
Changing Minds Campaign Office,
Royal College of Psychiatrists,
17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, UK
Tel: 020 7235 2351
For further information about the
Campaign, please e-mail: stigma@rcpsych.ac.uk
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“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.
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"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?'
VHS Video copies are available for
£5.00
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To obtain a copy please send a cheque
(made payable to the Royal College of Psychiatrists) to:
Changing Minds Campaign Office,
Royal College of Psychiatrists,
17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, UK
Tel: 020 7235 2351 |
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