ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2016
THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE THE HISTORY OF INSANITY WHAT IS A STIGMA? IN DISCUSSION WITH: MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER DESIGN VS. SOCIAL STIGMAS
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
CONTENTS THIS MAGAZINE IS INTENDED TO BE READ STARTING FROM THE CENTRE PAGE EDITORS LETTER CENTRE
BACKWARD
FORWARD
-13 to -16 HISTORIC TREATMENTS “For a long time, demonic possession, sorcery, the evil eye and other mystical phenomena were believed to be the cause of many unknown maladies of the mind.”
POST-TRAUMATIC 01 to 04 STRESS DISORDER “Soldiers suffering from PTSD were commonly charged with deserting their post, cowardice or insubordination.”
-07 to -10 WHAT IS A STIGMA? “Time to Change’s Stigma Shout Survey found that 87% (nearly 9 out of 10) of people suffering from a mental health problem had been discriminated upon in some form.”
IN DISCUSSION WITH: 07 to 10 MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER “Stigma can result in discrimination which has a very negative impact on quality of life.”
-01 to -04 HISTORY OF INSANITY “Treatments included isolation and punishment, with chains and manacles used to restrain patients.”
FIGHTING THE CAUSE 13 to 14 “Across the world there are various charities focused on supporting those with a mental illness, tackling the stigmas and discriminations they face every day.” TACKLING STIGMA 15 to 16 “Put yourself in the shoes of the person who is at the receiving end of the words, behaviour or actions and imagine how that makes them feel.”
STIGMA MAGAZINE WAS LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2016 TO REPORT AND TACKLE STIGMAS THAT EXIST WITHIN OUR SOCIETY. THIS ISSUE FOCUSES ON MENTAL HEALTH AND THE STIGMAS THAT HAVE EXISTED THROUGHOUT HISTORY AND IN OUR CURRENT CULTURE.
NEXT ISSUE THE RACE ISSUE ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2016
IMAGE: COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER, BRUNO RIBEIRO THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER, DAVID MIMMS
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER, STEPHANIE WOLFF St. Thomas’s Operating Theatre - 1940’s Instrument Set for Trephination
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
The 18th Century Isolation, ice water baths and physical restraints were among the treatments used in 18th century asylums. Water baths can be traced back to 1643, first mentioned in Ortus Medicinae by Jean Baptiste Van Helmont. He details the treatment as covering the patient in cold water until seconds before drowning, to “kill the mad idea” causing the mental disorder. The 18th century methods weren’t quite as dangerous as this, but still used cold water to treat various disorders to cool the heat of madness, among many other reasons. Physical restraints are used today for a variety of reasons, the main being the safety and protection of both the patient and those caring for them. This wasn’t always the sole reason however as historically, restraints have been used as punishment and have connotations of institutional abuse and neglect. There are three forms of restraint: environmental, physical and chemical. In the past patients were kept in cages, tied down or even banished and isolated. Today, our ethics no longer allow this, with restraint being the last option in a patient’s care.
Lobotomy Lobotomy involved the manipulation of the brain in the aim of calming patients with various mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Initially trialed on chimpanzees in 1935 the procedure consisted of cutting a hole in the skull and injecting ethanol into the brain to destroy neural links. This was later replaced with a tool that could create cuts in the brain. The practice died out in the 1950’s after thousands of operations, due to the significant side effects of ‘mental dullness’ and other physical defects that occurred. Throughout history there have been countless methods of ‘curing’ mental illness, some of which are detailed here. We still adopt practices today that were developed hundreds of years ago, however nowadays we rely mostly on counselling, drugs such as anti-depressants and occasionally procedures involving electroconvulsive therapy in more severe cases. Our knowledge of the mind has expanded, with our understanding of what causes many mental disorders greater than ever before, we no longer have to rely on the mystical practices of exorcism or the cracking open of the skull.
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HISTORICAL TREATMENTS Treatment of mental illnesses can be seen as far back as 5000 BC. For a long time, demonic possession, sorcery, the evil eye and other mystical phenomena were believed to be the cause of many unknown maladies of the mind. Various treatments have sprung up since then to tackle the often perplexing symptoms, some we look at now in shock, others we have adopted and still use (in more ethical forms). Below are examples of some of the weird and wonderful treatments, and the early stages of todays medicine: Ancient Mesopotamia Exorcism, prayer and other mystical rituals were used in ancient Mesopotamia to cure patients of mental illness, in the hope that it would ward off evil spirits and demons that were invading the host. The theme of demons and evil spirits being the cause of mental illness is also recurrent in both Hebrew and Persian history, with the wrath of God and poor hygiene being labelled as the reason for the ailment by these societies. The Neolithic Period Trephination, or the drilling of holes into the human skull, first occurred in the Neolithic period (evidence suggests the first case can be seen in 5000 BC). Using stone tools to break a hole into the skull, the patient was expected to be cured due to the hole allowing any evil spirits to leave. As can be expected, there were few survivors and whether the treatment worked is up for debate, however examples of trephination can still be seen today in the treatment of epidural and subdural haematoma, so the logic of our ancestors wasn’t far off, we know now however that demonic possession isn’t part of the problem. Ancient Egyptians Potentially the most knowledgeable civilization, when it comes to the human body and mind, were the ancient Egyptians. They believed that the cure to mental ailments could be found with the patient engaging in activities such as exercise and the arts. These techniques can be seen still today, with art therapy being used to treat various mental disorders and daily walking or exercise recommended to alleviate stress and mental strain.
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For a long time, demonic possession, sorcery, the evil eye and other mystical phenomena were believed to be the cause of many unknown maladies of the mind.
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: RONNY MARIANO
SCHIZOPHRENIA “
What was real and what was not? I couldn’t tell the difference any longer and it was exhausting.
”
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: SICIMAGES
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
The most common items that are discriminated in our society are age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability and gender. Every day we see stories of hate crimes and issues of discrimination against any number of these topics. Most are likely unaware that seemingly innocent phrases and actions are stigmas, however there are cases that make us question whether these stigmas are actually hate crimes and whether they are violating our most basic of human rights. So are stigmas actually an issue? Well simply put, yes. If we look particularly at mental health, Time to Change’s Stigma Shout Survey found that 87% (nearly 9 out of 10) of people suffering from a mental health problem had been discriminated upon in some form. This is a ridiculously high figure, with similar results across the other commonly stigmatised areas.
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In Lithuania, some people with long term mental health problems are unable to own their own home. In Korea in certain areas, people with mental health problems are not permitted to enter a swimming pool. In some areas of Japan, certain leisure facilities impose restrictions on those with mental health problems, forbidding them to use leisure centres and museums. In Asia, three major airlines refused to allow passengers with mental health conditions on to a flight unless accompanied by a psychiatrist. Even in the United Kingdom was it only until recently illegal for people with mental health problems to carry out jury service or become a company director. Of course, these are just some of the stigmas that occur around the world, and there are many cases of companies and governments battling to support the care and rights of those with mental health problems.
The real issue is that people don’t understand the significant impact that stigmas can have on a person. Those with mental health problems can feel isolated and excluded, may find it harder to find and maintain work and may generally feel unwanted with no one wanting to hear about their problems. As it is already difficult for sufferers to seek help, it is unfair for others to make it worse by ignoring these very real issues.
In our article ‘Design Vs. Stigmas’ you can read about ways that different charities and organisations are battling against discrimination, and ways you might join in.
Worst still, in some countries there are stigmas written in the law dictated by their government’s. Below are some examples from the Time to Change Stigma We’ve got it mapped infographic of stigmas across the world:
Stigma and discrimination don’t need to happen, early education, free knowledge and support are key to making people realise that anyone might suffer from a mental illness, but treating them differently for that is against basic human rights.
So can we fight people’s everyday use of stigmas?
Read about stigmas that people are seeing every day, recorded in The British Journal of Psychiatry’s article Stigma: the feelings and experiences of 46 people with mental illness: “It’s just the stigma that’s attached to schizophrenia. If it’s on the news or TV it’s usually because they’ve brandished a sword on the high street or attacked someone. There’s never a story about a schizophrenic who saves life of granny who falls in canal.” (African man, 33, schizophrenia) “Because people don’t understand, if they know that I’ve been off work because of mental ill health they may choose to use somebody else rather than me.” (British man, 38, depression) “The whole street — they set dogs on me. I’d go in the shops and the children would come and spit on me and stuff like that.” (African—Caribbean woman, 41, bipolar affective disorder) “... and they don’t speak to you like an adult very often. They’ll use words like, you know, don’t be cheeky, something like that, which you would never say.” (British woman, 33, depression/drug dependence) “I regret not going to the hospital. I listened to too many people and I suddenly thought I am going to be labelled a loony. I wasn’t aware obviously because it hadn’t happened to me before so I was... yes it did stop me from going there.” (White British man, 43, anxiety—depression)
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1
WHAT IS A STIGMA? This issue of Stigma focuses on mental health within our society, a topic that is frequently stigmatised and discriminated on, whether inadvertently or not. The real question is, what is a stigma? And can we do something to fight modern day society’s stigmas about mental health and other characteristics that are discriminated upon? The first, and most appropriate, definition you will find of ‘stigma’ within the Oxford Dictionary is as follows: “A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person: ‘the stigma of mental disorder’” With suggested synonyms of “shame, disgrace, [and] dishonour”, stigmatizing a person for being different is certainly something that most would quickly deny doing if asked, for fear of looking hateful or intolerant. However, every day, people across the world are being stigmatized by their societies and governing bodies for their differences.
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“ Those with mental health problems
can feel isolated and excluded, may find it harder to find and maintain work and may generally feel unwanted with no one wanting to hear about their problems. As it is already difficult for sufferers to seek help, it is unfair for others to make it worse by ignoring these very real issues.�
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: SOPHIE SALLER
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER, ALLI DAY
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER ready for each day involves so “ Getting much hand washing, mental rituals, and doing things in the same order everyday... Sometimes, I feel like staying in bed and avoiding the day.
”
Until 1774, when The Act for Regulating Private Madhouses was passed in parliament, asylums worked without any government rule and regulation. Cases of torture and abuse, wrongful confinement and general mistreatment of patients were common news at the time. The act aimed to limit the number of patients admitted, allow for regular inspections and required for licenses and medical certification to incarcerate ‘lunatics’.
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER, ANDREA PESCE
“Whereas many great and dangerous abuses arose from the present state of houses kept for the reception of lunatics, for want of regulations with respect to the persons keeping such houses, the admission of patients into them and the visitation by proper persons of the said houses and patients: and whereas the law, as it now stands, is insufficient for preventing or discovering such abuses” 1774 Madhouse Act
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In the early days of the Asylum, very little was known regarding treatment of any mental illness, so the biggest duty provided was to keep the patients calm and occupied, out of the way. In the case of problems, restraints were used to keep the patients under control. Various treatments arose over time, including the use of Malaria infected mosquitoes to treat “General Paralysis of the Insane”, Deep Insulin Therapy to put the body into shock to treat Schizophrenia and Electroconvulsive Therapy to treat depression.
The first antipsychotic drug to be discovered was Chloropromazine (Largactil), available on prescription from November 1952. Blocking dopamine receptors, the drug was able to control excitement and agitation, and relieve delusions and hallucinations. This led to the further development of other psychotropic drugs, with various on the market and in use today. More information on mental health treatments across history can be found in our article ‘Historic Treatments’. The end of a long running era of the mental asylums began in the UK with the passing of the Mental Health Act in 1983, the act that set down in law the terms in which you can be admitted and treated in a hospital against your wishes, more commonly know as being sectioned. General hospitals now had the capacity to treat a wide range of mental conditions, and with the rise in use of medication, many patients no longer required around the clock care. The first hospital to close was Banstead Hospital in 1986, with the remainder closing over the following 20 years. Today, only a small number of ‘Asylums’ or hospitals for mental illness exist in the UK, acting as regional specialists for severe or difficult cases. The focus now is on integration of anyone with a mental illness into communities, to lead normal lives, work, raise a family, without any focus being on their disorder.
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
“Until 1774, when The Act for
Regulating Private Madhouses was passed in parliament, asylums worked without any government rule and regulation. Cases of torture and abuse, wrongful confinement and general mistreatment of patients were common news at the time.�
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1
THE
HISTORY OF
INSANITY
The first Lunatic Asylum in Europe, Bethlem (mispronounced as Bedlam) Royal Hospital was established in 1330, admitting its first patients with mental illness in 1407. Previously a Priory, it remained for over 400 years specialising in mental illness or ‘madness’, including patients with learning disabilities, epilepsy and dementia. Treatments included isolation and punishment, with chains and manacles used to restrain patients.
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IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER, ACUPHASER
While the history of treatment may seem horrific compared to our modern day ethics and treatments, they have contributed to our understanding and care of mental health today.
QUOTE: WEBSITE, GUTS AND GORE
The care of mental health has changed drastically across history. Today we have a strong understanding of the prevalence and treatment of the many different mental disorders out there, however this is a fairly recent occurrence with evidence of misdiagnosed and misunderstood cases in the past and the use of barbaric treatments such as solitary confinement, disciplinary action and shaming used in so called ‘Insane Asylums’.
WEST RIDING PAUPER LUNATIC ASYLUM EST. 1888 “The main purpose of the asylum upon its opening was to contain and restrain patients. There was no known treatment for insanity, and so the asylum functioned more like a warehouse than a hospital. Patients often spent decades in the asylum, forgotten about by loved ones and left to live out their days imprisoned.�
-01 to -04 THE HISTORY OF INSANITY -13 to -16 HISTORIC TREATMENTS
-07 to -10 WHAT IS A STIGMA?
BACKWARD
When one mentions mental health in a social setting, it is met with either awkward small talk from those who aren’t hugely interested, or an in depth debate on the care system within our society from those who are. Never will it be chatted about, like we might chat about the book we are reading, or the film we just saw. Ok, saying never is perhaps a bit of a large statement, there are those in society who want to see change happen and are actively campaigning for social change. But what about the rest of society? Why do we have this fear of discussing mental health, when it is estimated that a massive one in four people will experience a form of mental health disorder in any given year. Stigmas are the answer to this question. So when we say ‘stigma’, what do we mean? Common social stigmas revolve around comments like ‘they are just weak’, ‘they can pull themselves out of it’, ‘they are violent’, ‘they will never get better’ and ‘they should be kept in hospital’ to name but a few. These comments are designed to stereotype and label someone with a mental health disorder, offering no further debate and no space for alternative opinions. Stigmas generate prejudice, which then leads down the rabbit hole to discrimination.
STIGMA | ISSUE 1 With Time for Change reporting that nine out of ten people with mental health disorders have faced social stigmas and discrimination, this is clearly a huge issue for us that needs to change.
For example, in Lithuania some with a mental health disorder are unable to own their own home. In Korea, many are banned from using swimming pools.
The question we are left with is ‘how?’ Keep this question on your mind, as we explore mental health stigmas throughout history, modern day post-traumatic stress and the part design can play on altering societies views, as well as an interview from a professional Mental Health Officer and a look at some historic treatments.
07 to 10 IN DISCUSSION WITH: MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER
No longer do we have the question of ‘should we change?’, it is now the statement of ‘we have to change’ for us to become a society with equal rights and opportunities for all.
13 to 14 FIGHTING THE CAUSE 15 to 16 TACKLING STIGMA
Cases of mental health stigmas prevail throughout our modern history and further.
FORWARD
Even in our own country was it illegal to serve on a jury until 2013!
01 to 04 POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Of course, we would be wrong to think this was just a problem within our own society. Cases of stigmas can be found worldwide, and most embarrassingly within many countries’ laws and constitutions.
Soldiers suffering from PTSD were commonly charged with deserting their post, cowardice or insubordination. The term ‘lack of moral fibre’ was developed in the 40’s to stigmatise members of the Royal Air Force who didn’t take part in operations, without a medical issue.
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER COWARDICE/MENTAL WEAKNESS? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has had various different names across history. The title ‘PTSD’ was first used after the Vietnam war, with labels such as ‘Shell Shock’, ‘Battle Fatigue’ and ‘Soldier’s Heart’ used to brand the symptoms of PTSD previously. Sufferers may experience any or all of a wide range of symptoms including: Reliving aspects of the trauma through vivid flashbacks, unwanted thoughts and nightmares. Alertness or feeling on edge with feelings of panic, upset or aggression. Avoiding feelings or memories by avoiding situations, repressing memories and misuse of alcohol or drugs. Potential development of other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.
Case Study – mind.org.uk While everyone experiences trauma differently, it is common for PTSD symptoms to appear a time after the traumatic event occurs. Some may not experience symptoms for even months or years.
IMAGE: SDASM ARCHIVES
“I feel like I’m straddling a timeline where the past is pulling me in one direction and the present another. I see flashes of images and noises burst through, fear comes out of nowhere… my heart races and my breathing is loud and I no longer know where I am.”
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1
We can see significant cases of PTSD historically, appearing in soldiers following wars such as the World Wars or the Vietnam War. It was common however, for PTSD or Shell Shock, as it was more commonly known during World War I, to be viewed as a sign of mental weakness or cowardice by the general public. Soldiers suffering from PTSD were commonly charged with deserting their post, cowardice or insubordination. The term ‘lack of moral fibre’ was developed in the 40’s to stigmatise members of the Royal Air Force who didn’t take part in operations, without a medical issue. By the end of the First World War it is estimated that 80,000 men were treated for shell shock during and after the war. The name derived from doctor’s early belief that the disorder was a result of soldiers being exposed to exploding bomb shells. However, understanding of the disorder was very limited with no signs of physical injury to explain the mysterious symptoms and as it appeared to be sweeping across the injured soldiers, including those that hadn’t fought on the front line, many were left untreated properly for quite some time. Hospital beds were filling up, with increased numbers of dedicated hospitals opening across the UK and questionable treatments of solitary confinement, disciplinary treatment, shaming and emotional deprivation being used to treat the mysterious illness. However, an army major named Arthur Hurst established himself as a miracle worker at Newton Abbott’s Seale Hayne in Devon due to his revolutionary techniques of curing shell shocked soldiers.
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His techniques involved a mixture of intensive therapy sessions and occupational therapy, taking the soldiers out to the Devon countryside to labour on farmland and other physical tasks. Soldiers who had lost their sight, ability to walk, speak etc. soon began to regain their facilities through the use of this humane and dignified treatment.
“I was mugged and then about a year later I was on the Tube when the police were trying to arrest someone who had a gun. In neither experience was I physically injured – although in the second one I thought I was going to die and that I was going to see lots of other people die.”
In our modern day, PTSD may be triggered through any number of traumas such as accidents, physical or sexual assault, abuse, military combat or a natural disaster. The Mental Health Foundation reports that “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects 2.6% of men and 3.3% of women.” While PTSD is now understood and treatment is performed by specialists, have society’s views changed? Is PTSD still regarded as mental weakness or cowardice?
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: ATTILIO FRIGNATI
Case Study - mind.org.uk
04
DEPRESSION
is like Hell on Earth, it's “Depression dark, lonely and very selfish.
The feeling of not wanting to live (but not wanting to die)… I can't get going and feel like I can't do anything… One thing about suffering from depression is that it's made me a better, stronger person.
”
IN DISCUSSION WITH: Mental Health Officer *The interviewee chose to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of their work.
People are frightened to talk about mental health because they don’t know how to react if someone discloses difficulties they are experiencing, or they are worried they will say the wrong thing and make it worse.
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1
What is a Mental Health Officer? A Mental Health Officer is a qualified social worker who has undertaken additional training. A Mental Health Officer is employed by the Local Authority and has specific legal duties and responsibilities. A Mental Health Officer must be knowledgeable of the principles of the Mental Health Act and ensure these are being applied in order to ensure the patient’s human rights are being protected to the greatest extent possible. What do you believe to be the most difficult part of your job? Without any doubt the most difficult part of my job is time management. I have a combined role as a social worker in an Adults team and as a Mental Health Officer, therefore I have a caseload with lots of competing demands. Managing that effectively is the most challenging part of my job. What does the social care system offer adults with mental disabilities? I work with adults age 16-65. This includes people with a diagnosis of learning disability, personality disorder or mental illness. In my experience, and in the geographical area I work in, I believe there is a robust system of providing care and support for those with learning disability. There are a range of services available to meet needs: including - day services, care at home and respite for carers. There are excellent multi-disciplinary working arrangements; which benefit the professionals, service users and their carers. However, I do not believe there are the same range of choice available for those diagnosed with mental illness. There are far less specialist care providers working in this field than in general physical disabilities, partly because the demand is far less.
Do you see a divide between people suffering from mental health disorders and the general public? The more severe the illness then the greater the divide is. People with severe and enduring mental ill health are often isolated from their families and may not have many friendships with people who do not have a similar illness. Their peer group is frequently others with mental ill health, through meeting people when they are hospitalized or through day services. People with mental ill health may experience an element of self-stigmatisation. If they have had negative experiences they may protect themselves by withdrawing but this can be counter productive. What do you think are the biggest social barriers facing someone with a mental health disorder? I think huge advancements have been made to break down social barriers. This has been achieved by specific campaigns such as the See Me and Choose Life campaigns. These have been effective in raising public awareness of the incidence of mental illness and how it can effect anyone. In the past fifteen years there has been a significant reduction in the suicide rate in Scotland, I think it is approx. 18% down from 2002, which is very positive. I believe that a lot of the social barriers are caused through fear, rather than people being negative or malicious. People are frightened to talk about mental health because they don’t know how to react if someone discloses difficulties they are experiencing, or they are worried they will say the wrong thing and make it worse. Getting the message across to the public that just asking someone how they are feeling and allowing them time to talk can make a massive difference. Mental ill health can happen to anyone and the most important reaction is to treat the person with respect and compassion as one human being to another. IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: SKYLAR KELLY *not an image of the interviewee
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1 How much do these social barriers impact on their quality of life?
Do you see any significant changes in either care or social attitudes happening currently?
This depends on the individual.
Due to financial constraints on Local Authority funding there are less resources available to provide services and care to all groups and individuals. This is having an immediate effect as only people at greatest risk will have support, and monies have been withdrawn from voluntary sector organisations, which are often crucial partners in delivering services. Although the effects of this will be felt immediately, as there are fewer services available, it will also have a long term effect as this is likely to continue for some time.
Some people might prefer to keep themselves to themselves and to lead an isolated life, it might feel safer to them. While others may lead a more restricted life than the one they would have chosen. People may fear being rejected if they tell others about their illness. There are also people who act as campaigners to break down barriers and whose experiences have given them an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others. This may actually have a positive impact on their quality of life. Stigma can result in discrimination which has a very negative impact on quality of life. Examples: - Less employment opportunities. - Less chance of progression at work. - Seen as unsuitable tenants for housing. - Less favourable treatment in terms of accessing services – eg mortgages, insurance. - Assumptions are made which are very discriminatory and are often fueled by the media e.g. people with schizophrenia are violent.
Stigma can result in discrimination which has a very negative impact on quality of life. What age do you think social barriers develop, and who influences it? I only work with adults from 16-65 but I think it begins in childhood. Government policy and law making influences it. Parents influence the attitudes their children have. Friends influence the attitudes of each other. Media influences the attitudes of the public.
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The Mental Health Act in Scotland was passed in 2003, protecting and supporting those with a mental disorder, what impact has this had on the care and treatment a patient may receive? Has there been a negative impact at all? This is more difficult for me to answer as I have only worked under this Act but one of the most important achievements was the creation of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland, which established a hearing system outwith the criminal courts. Tribunals are less formal than court and held in a more relaxed manner. It can still be a difficult experience but moving it out of a court setting helps break down stigma. The Mental Welfare Commission was also created which is an independent organisation, that safeguards the rights and welfare of those with a mental disorder. The Act ensures that people have rights to advocacy and legal representation, which increases participation. We have an article speculating on how design can be used to tackle social stigmas. As well as design, do you believe there are other channels that can be explored to alter social attitudes? I think early education is vital. Mental wellbeing should be taught from a very young age as it is vital for everyone. If we are all aware that we need to look after this, as well as our physical health, there might be less stigma for those who experience mental ill health. It will be viewed as a part of everyone that needs attention, and not just a minority, or when you experience mental illness.
Can you see significant change happening in our lifetime? Yes, and I certainly hope so. I believe there have been significant changes in social attitudes already and there is a commitment in Scotland for this to continue through Government policies and strategies.
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: THERESA *not an image of the interviewee
BIPOLAR DISORDER
“
It's an emotional amplifier: when my mood is high I feel far quicker, funnier, smarter and livelier than anyone; when my mood is low I take on the suffering of the whole world.
”
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIANL87
“ Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. We believe no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’ll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner. ” Mind Mission Statement
STIGMA | ISSUE 1
FIGHTING THE
CAUSE Across the world there are various charities focused on supporting those with a mental illness, tackling the stigmas and discriminations they face every day. These charities and organisations have honourable goals with various different methods. So what is it they are doing to fight stigmas and help those in need? We chose a few different charities to see what they do, and why they do it.
Climb Out is a non-profit organisation raising awareness of mental health issues, while promoting fun and adventurous activities. Through an understanding of how activity can help treat mental disorders Climb Out established in 2014, to provide a forum for people tackling feats and challenges they didn’t think they could do, to battle their mental health problems. To find out more, read the blogs and watch their videos, go to climbout.co.uk Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. Similar to Mind, they want to provide knowledge and information, but targeted at the stresses that face an everyday student. Through campaigns and workshops, Student Minds want to create positive mental health attitudes on every campus, with students taking action to help their peers and look after their own mental health. More information about how to get involved can be found at studentminds.org.uk
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: HARRY PHERSON
Mind is a UK based charity that aims to provide supportive and reliable information to those experiencing a mental health problem. For 70 years, through their award winning website and publications, as well as their infoline and legal advice service, they provide in depth knowledge of various different mental disorders, the treatments used and other case studies. Mind also work to campaign for various mental health related issues, including benefits, social care, stigma, mental health related crime and crisis care. With their 140 ‘Local Minds’ across England and Wales supporting 400,000 people they have helped change the lives of many. More information about mental health and other information regarding campaigns, achievements and how to get involved can be found at mind.org.uk
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STIGMA | ISSUE 1
TACKLING STIGMA HOW CAN WE ALL WORK TO TACKLE STIGMAS? There are simple ways we can each tackle stigmas, from a simple ‘are you ok?’ to a friend who you know suffers from a mental disorder, to getting involved in campaigns and standing up for those in need. Below are some ways that we can help fight discrimination: Education: Education and knowledge is vital, there are organisations out there providing up to date knowledge on a huge range of topics; religion, race, mental health, gender, sexuality and more. The greater knowledge we have, the more we understand and the more we can do to help and make informed judgments. Education needs to begin early, teaching our children that everyone is different, there are different races, most people will have a mental health issue at some point, gender can be fluid, we all have different sexualities. Being aware that this is all fine, and not something to be shunned is vital to reducing stigmas and discrimination and it has to be taught from an early age. Read information available online, share it on social media and get people talking about it. The more people know, the better. Stand Against Stigma: Our culture tends to turn a blind eye when bad things happen to others, when we see acts of discrimination as we walk down the street. You can help stop it by calling out discrimination, let someone know that what they said isn’t fine, maybe they didn’t know? While it might not be the case that you intervene directly, you can help support those in need. If you see a victim of discrimination, talk to them, let them know they aren’t alone, you might be surprised how grateful they are. Take Part in Campaigns: There are campaigns happening all over the UK to tackle stigmas and provide knowledge. Charities and organisations are always looking for volunteers, why not get involved and volunteer some time to a good cause and bring knowledge to your community?
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Put yourself in the shoes of the person who is at the receiving end of the words, behaviour or actions and imagine how that makes them feel. Together or as individuals we need to have the strength to challenge anyone who fails to treat someone with a mental health problem with respect, dignity and as an equal. IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: ELVERT BARNES
See Me Scotland
ANXIETY me, anxiety feels as if “ For everyone in the world is waiting for me to trip up, so that they can laugh at me. It makes me feel nervous and unsure whether the next step I take is the best way forward.
”
IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHER: CRISTINA VALENCIA
NEXT ISSUE ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2016
THE RACE ISSUE A RAINBOW OF COLOURS WHY DOES RACISM HAPPEN? IN DISCUSSION WITH: STOP HATE UK BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS