Why talk of illness entrenches discrimination

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Sayce
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Right To Work ◽  
The Right ◽  
Bridge Building ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Biological understandings of mental illness are promoted by both anti-stigma campaigners and increasingly by activists protesting against social security cuts. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the pitfalls of the “illness” conceptualisation for reducing discrimination, comments on divisions between those arguing for a right to work and those who seek a right not to work, and proposes bridge building and more effective messages, drawing on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Design/methodology/approach – Review of relevant evidence on the effectiveness or lack of it of the “mental illness is an illness like any other” message in anti-stigma work, and discussion of grey literature from campaigners and bloggers. Findings – There is a growing body of evidence that the “illness like any other” message entrenches rather than reduces stigma and discrimination: this message should not be used in anti-discrimination work. At the same time some social security bloggers and campaigners have argued they are “sick” in order to resist efforts to compel them to seek work or face sanctions; whilst older disability rights campaigners have argued for the right to work. The paper argues for new bridge building and use of evidence based messages in campaigning. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on review of evidence on the impact of using the “illness” message to reduce stigma and discrimination; and on discussion of campaigns and blogs. It is not based on a systematic review of campaigns. Practical implications – There is a need for campaigns that support rights holistically – the right to a decent standard of living and the right to work. This requires bridge building between activists, which could usefully be rooted in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The “illness” conceptualisation is harmful to the effort to reduce stigma and discrimination. Mental health staff can act as allies to those they serve in securing all these rights. Originality/value – This is the only recent paper to analyse the evidence that the “illness like any other” message is harmful in anti-stigma work, together with its implications for the recent phenomenon of mental health campaigners moving from opposition to the medical model, to a new argument that they are “too sick” to work. This paper suggests ways forward for everyone with an interest in combatting stigma and discrimination.

scholarly journals Integrating Mental Health Perspectives into the Legal Discourse on Reproductive Justice in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-38
Author(s):  
Malavika Parthasarathy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Legal Discourse ◽  
Reproductive Justice ◽  
Bodily Integrity ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Mentally Ill Persons ◽  
The Right

The reproductive justice framework envisions a world where all women, including those situated at the intersection of multiple structures of oppression such as class, caste, sexual orientation, disability and mental health, are able to exercise their right to decisional and reproductive autonomy. S. 3(4)(a) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, provides that an abortion cannot be performed on a mentally ill woman without the consent of her guardian. I analyse the Indian Supreme Court’s decision in Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration [(2009) 9 SCC 1] in light of contemporary legal developments in the field of disability law and mental health law. The first argument that I make in this paper is that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, covers persons with mental illness, with the rights in the Act applicable to those with mental illness as well. The second argument rests on the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which recognizes the right to privacy and dignity of mentally ill persons, including their capacity to make decisions affecting healthcare. I argue that the judgment, while path-breaking in its recognition of the reproductive rights of disabled women, is inimical to the rights of mentally ill women, perpetuating dangerous stereotypes about their ability to exercise choices, and dehumanizing them. It is imperative for the reproductive justice framework to inform legal discourse and judicial decision-making, to fully acknowledge the right to self-determination and bodily integrity of mentally ill persons.

Dentistry students’ views about mental illness and impact of a targeted seminar on knowledge and attitudes: a mixed-method study

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Patterson ◽  
Pauline Ford
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to inform education of non-mental health professionals who provide care to people with severe mental illness; to describe dentistry students’ knowledge and views about mental illness, including willingness to engage in various social situations with a person hospitalised for mental illness; and to assess and understand the impact of a targeted lecture on views and attitudes. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employed mixed methods to examine dental students’ knowledge and views about mental disorder before and after a seminar covering mental disorder, disadvantage and oral health. Findings from a bespoke questionnaire administered to third-year dental students were triangulated with qualitative data gathered in interviews with a subsample. Findings – Students understood mental disorder broadly, employing diverse causal models. Although knowledge was typically grounded in media stereotypes, attitudes were benevolent and most students reported willingness to provide dental care to affected individuals. The seminar, especially the consumer delivered section, was valued and associated with increased appreciation of the impact of mental disorder on oral health and need for assertive action to promote access to care. However, students reported being reluctant to disclose their own mental health problems for fear of being considered a professional or personal failure. A minority knew how to seek support if a friend talked of suicide. Research limitations/implications – This study highlights the need for further investigation of the knowledge and attitudes of dentistry students pertinent to provision of care to people with mental illness and to examine the links between attitudes and practice. The paper also provides a useful foundation for development of brief educational interventions, particularly the value in integrating the service user perspective, and their evaluation. Research should also examine the impact of mental health education on practice. Practical implications – A single inexpensive educational session, such as the one the paper developed may support reconsideration of often unconscious views of mental illness which might affect practice. Social implications – If people with mental illness are to receive equitable access to health care, non-mental health professionals should be supported to develop knowledge and attitudes which are conducive to inclusive treatment. An education session such as this could be helpful. Originality/value – There is scant literature examining attitudes of dentistry students and no reports of mental health-specific education with this population.

The impact of inequality on mental illness: thematic analysis on clinical notes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Brenisin ◽  
Elizabeth Akinwande ◽  
Aile Trumm ◽  
Kieran Breen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Notes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The concept of inequality can be described as not being treated equally to everyone else in society. While previous studies have explored the concept of inequality and its impact on mental illness, these have been primarily quantitative. The details of experiences and potential impacts of inequalities by patients prior to admission into secure care have not been investigated comprehensively using a qualitative approach, which will identify individualised factors that may contribute to the development of mental ill-health. This study aims to explore whether those with multiple disadvantages are at greater risk of developing mental illness. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study of patients’ clinical notes upon admission to a secure in-patient facility was conducted using a thematic analytical approach to investigate the key inequalities reported by patients with mental health problems. The topic of inequality was examined by assessing the clinical notes of 21 patients who were under treatment at the time of the study. Findings The majority of patients experienced multiple inequalities which impacted negatively on their mental health status. Three main themes that were identified were – a disrupted living environment, disturbed childhood and the importance of support. The thematic analysis has shown that the majority of the patients were exposed to numerous societal disadvantages in association with challenging life events in their early years and these have impacted significantly on their subsequent well-being. Practical implications When assessing the background to mental illness, it is important to gain a deep understanding of many inequalities that patients have faced prior to them developing their condition and, in particular, how these have combined to initiate the clinical manifestation. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness of how being treated unfairly, whether based on protected or non-protected characteristics, can contribute towards people becoming disadvantaged in society and ultimately making them more vulnerable to the development of mental health difficulties. Results of the study may inform the future use of inequalities as an integral component in the development of trauma-informed care. Originality/value This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to consider intersectionality and admission to mental health units by adopting qualitative approach, specifically by reviewing patients’ clinical notes.

Immigration

2019 ◽  
pp. 239-242
Author(s):  
Jeremy Colley ◽  
Heather Ellis Cucolo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Criminal Case ◽  
Cognitive Disability ◽  
Diversion Programs ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Chapter 29 includes cases related to the rights of individuals subject to immigration proceedings, with particular focus on the right to be made aware of the potential immigration consequences of taking a guilty, competence to participate in the proceedings, and the related right to representation where competence is in question. While criminal case recommendations are beyond the purview of forensic practitioners, those involved in mental health diversion programs should be aware of the potential consequences of diversion participation for defendants at risk of deportation. In addition, forensic evaluators are called upon to opine about the impact of mental illness and/or cognitive disability on competence to participate in the immigration proceedings. The cases in this chapter include Padilla v. Kentucky and Matter of M-A-M.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – a unique and influential voice

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 137-147
Author(s):  
Colin McKay ◽  
Heather Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
History Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique and independent role of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the reader through the history of the Commission, its changing status, roles and responsibilities, its influence and impact, and current priorities. It is based on details of the Commission ' s development, narrative from current employees and published investigations and advice. Findings – The Mental Welfare Commission has advanced significantly since its original establishment. It plays a vital role in protecting the human rights of people in Scotland with learning disabilities and mental illness, by visiting those who are in receipt of care or treatment, investigating situations of concern, providing advice and guidance, monitoring the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and shaping relevant policy and legislation. Originality/value – This paper provides an introduction to the work of the Commission, which will be of value to readers in Scotland and beyond. It illustrates its importance in preserving the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other legislation.

Perceptions of mental illness in the Somali community in Minnesota

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Pratt ◽  
Ayan Fadumo ◽  
Mikow Hang ◽  
Sirad Osman ◽  
Nancy Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Assets ◽  
Somali Immigrants ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Somali immigrants are a strong, vibrant community in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. However, the legacy of resettlement and the challenges of adjustment can lead to complex physical and mental health challenges. The Somali community is considered to be underserved, particularly with regard to mental health, but the health system must understand the perception of mental health in the Somali community in order to address current disparities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research drew on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) and was conducted with the goal of learning more about how mental illness is perceived in the Somali community living in Minnesota. Four focus groups were held, with a total of 35 participants, 19 female and 16 male. Findings – Several main themes emerged from the data. The community’s foundations of the perceptions of mental health inform and shape their perspective on mental illness, including the way mental illness is defined. Historical experiences, the impact of trauma, strong religious beliefs, and stigma toward mental illness influenced both the perceived causes of mental illness and views on seeking treatment. Originality/value – This research suggests there is value in drawing on the SEM to as the perception of mental illness is both layered, and shaped by the Somali community’s historical and social context. Forming community partnerships that address concerns about mental illness are essential next steps toward improving mental health in the Somali community. These partnerships should build on existing community assets, particularly religious leaders.

Family and caregivers’ experience of mental illness in migrants with intellectual disability – reflections on practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-88
Author(s):  
Jane Margrete Askeland Hellerud ◽  
Trine Lise Bakken
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the families’ and professional caregivers’ experience of mental health services for patients in the migrant population with intellectual disability (ID). Design/methodology/approach To highlight this rarely studied topic, the authors chose a qualitative approach, using a semi-structured interview guide. The authors performed a search for relevant articles. Three families of former patients of a specialized psychiatric inpatient unit and 12 professional caregivers were interviewed. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Findings In total, 17 themes from the families’ answers and 14 themes from the caregivers’ answers were grouped into four main themes each. Two main themes were identical for both groups: perspectives on mental illness and “the Norwegian system.” Additionally, the families were concerned about the impact on the patient and family and coping strategies. The caregivers highlighted patient–caregiver interaction and family–caregiver interaction. Research limitations/implications Further research should include the patients’ opinions based on the findings of this study. Also, studies including larger samples from both specialist services and community services are needed to develop evidence-based services for these patients. Practical implications Proposed adaptations to enable assessment and treatment of mental illness in migrants with ID should be adapted to cultural preferences. The following adaptations are proposed: inclusion of the entire family, awareness of cultural dimensions, information about the health care system, education in mental illness, the use of interpreters and adequate time spent with the families. Originality/value Mental health services for this group are an understudied topic. Clinical experience indicates that professionals struggle when providing services for such patients.

Confidence levels of exercise physiology and dietetic students’ pre- and post-practicum within mental health facilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Griffen ◽  
Oscar Lederman ◽  
Rachel Morell ◽  
Hamish Fibbins ◽  
Jackie Curtis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Exercise Physiology ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Mental Health Setting ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine student exercise physiologists (EPs) and student dietitians’ confidence regarding working with people with severe mental illness (SMI) pre- and post-practicum in a mental health service. Design/methodology/approach This single-arm, quality improvement project included students completing practicum within a lifestyle programme embedded in mental health services. Student EPs completed 100 h of practicum across 15 weeks as part requirement for their Bachelor of Exercise Physiology degree and student dietitians completed six weeks full-time (40 h/week) for the part requirement of their Master of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students completed the Dietetic Confidence Scale (terminology was adapted for student EPs) pre- and post-practicum. Findings In total, 27 student EPs and 13 student dietitians completed placement and returned pre- and post-practicum questionnaires. Pre-practicum confidence scores were 90.8 ± 17.1 and 86.9 ± 18.9 out of a possible 140 points for student EPs and student dietitians, respectively. Confidence scores increased substantially post-practicum for both student EPs [mean difference (MD) = 29.3 ± 18.8, p < 0.001, d = 1.56] and dietitian students (MD = 26.1 ± 15.9, p = 0.002, d = 1.64). There were significant improvements in confidence across all domains of the confidence questionnaire for both EPs and dietitian students. Originality/value There is a research gap in understanding the confidence levels of student EPs’ and student dietitians’ when working with people with mental illness and the impact that undertaking a practicum in a mental health setting may play. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore student EP and student dietitian confidence in working with people with SMI pre- and post-practicum in a mental health setting.

scholarly journals Can a carer (peer) led psychoeducation programme improve mental health carers well-being, reduce burden and enrich empowerment: a service evaluation study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-140
Author(s):  
John Chiocchi ◽  
Gary Lamph ◽  
Paula Slevin ◽  
Debra Fisher-Smith ◽  
Mark Sampson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Empowerment ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose Carers of people with mental health problems present with high levels of burden, poor mental well-being and feelings of disempowerment by mental health services. The purpose of this paper is to establish whether providing a psychoeducation skill programme for carers would lead to an improvement of mental well-being, reduce the levels of burden that carers sometimes feel while caring for someone with mental illness and also to increase empowerment. This paper provides a service evaluation study of an innovative carer-led psychoeducational intervention that was undertaken. Design/methodology/approach This programme was initiated and led by a carer who had experienced a lack of service provision to support carers and families in understanding and caring for a relative with severe and enduring mental health diagnoses. A model of co-production was adopted with the carer who led this initiative working closely with an occupational therapist and consultant psychologist in its development and delivery. Data were collected to measure the impact of the training at five different time points. The measures employed to measure outcomes were the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Burden Assessment Scale and Family Empowerment Scale. Findings Results indicated improved well-being, reduced burden and increased family empowerment in carers who completed this peer-led carer initiative psychoeducational programme. Research limitations/implications This service evaluation study was conducted in a single site and in the site in which it was developed. The carer consultant who led this evaluation and development of the intervention was also the peer worker who delivered the interventions. Hence, the authors are unable to ascertain if the results reported are unique to the individual peer worker. The transferability of this programme and generalisability of the result should therefore be treated with caution and further replication of this model and research is required. This would be beneficial to be conducted in an alternative site from where it was developed, delivered by different facilitators and include a control group. Practical implications The evidence from this study indicates that carers are able and willing to attend a group psychoeducational programme. A high number of referrals to the programme in a relatively short timeframe indicates that there is significant demand for such a service. The implementation of the programme is relatively straightforward. The key challenges for practical implementation are to have the right carer to lead and deliver the programme and the right support system in place for them (financial and supervision). Co-production also is not without challenges, the peer worker and occupational staff need to ensure that mutually valued and respected working relationship should develop. Originality/value This is the first evaluation of the impact of a carer-led psychoeducation intervention for carers of people with mental health difficulties in secondary mental health services.

The right to refuse: The Victorian Mental Health Act 2014 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Maylea ◽  
Asher Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Capacity ◽  
Compulsory Treatment ◽  
Legal Capacity ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Act ◽  
The Right ◽  
Right To Refuse

This article considers how the Victorian Mental Health Act 2014 extinguishes the right of people with a mental illness to refuse treatment in light of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which prohibits detention or compulsory treatment on the basis of a person’s disability. Three possible resolutions of this inconsistency are proposed and considered: repealing the Mental Health Act 2014, de-linking disability from compulsory treatment, and maintaining legal capacity by supporting mental capacity.

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