scholarly journals Understanding what it means to be socially included for people with a lived experience of mental illness

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Filia ◽  
Henry Jackson ◽  
Sue Cotton ◽  
Eoin Killackey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Members ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Stable Housing ◽  
General Community

Aims: Social inclusion is increasingly understood to have positive and beneficial implications for the mental health outcomes of people with severe mental illness. The concept is plagued by definitional inconsistencies and a lack of consensus regarding what it means to be socially included, in particular for groups most vulnerable to social exclusion, such as people with mental illness. The aim of this study was to obtain a consensus regarding the key contributors to social inclusion from the perspective of people with and without a lived experience of mental illness (consumers of mental health services, carers, and general community members). Methods: Delphi methodology was employed to reach consensus agreement. The Delphi questionnaire was based on a previous review of the literature and consisted of 147 items categorized into 13 domains. It was presented to participants over three rounds. Participants ( N  = 104) were recruited into three groups (32 consumers, 32 carers of people with a mental illness, and 40 members of the general community – neither consumers nor carers). Retention of participants from Round 1 to Round 3 was 79.8%. Results: Similarities and differences were observed between the groups. A number of items were very strongly endorsed as key contributors to social inclusion, relating to social participation, social supports, housing, neighbourhood, community involvement, employment and education, health and well-being and service utilization. Conclusion: Findings supported previous work, indicating the importance of having a strong sense of connection with others as well as the importance of safe and stable housing, support services and personal motivation and hope. We obtained a well-rounded perspective among groups regarding the key contributors to social inclusion, with a particular relevance to people living with mental illness. This perspective has significant clinical and research utility.

Mental Health Stigma: What's Been Done? Where to Go?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s245-s245
Author(s):  
P. Macedo ◽  
M. Silva ◽  
A. Fornelos ◽  
A.R. Figueiredo ◽  
S. Nunes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Public Stigma ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNegative attitudes towards psychiatric patients still exist in our society. Persons suffering from mental illness frequently encounter public stigma and may internalize it leading to self-stigma. Discrimination occurs across many aspects of economic and social existence. It may represent a barrier for patients to receive appropriate care. Many anti-stigma campaigns have been taken to decrease people's prejudice, but its effects are not well documented.ObjectivesTo characterize anti-stigma initiatives and its effects on diminishing negative consequences of stigma.MethodsBibliographical research using PubMed using the keywords “stigma” and “mental illness”.ResultsDespite several approaches to eradicate stigma, it shows a surprising consistency in population levels. It was expected that focus on education would decrease stigma levels. The same was expected following concentration on the genetic causation of pathology. Most studies have revealed that education has little value and endorsing genetic attributions has led to a greater pessimism on the efficacy of mental health services, sense of permanence and guilty feelings within the family.ConclusionPublic stigma has had a major impact on many people with mental illness, especially when leading to self-stigma, interfering with various aspects in life, including work, housing, health care, social life and self-esteem. As Goffman elucidated, stigma is fundamentally a social phenomenon rooted in social relationships and shaped by the culture and structure of society. Social inclusion has been pointed as a potential direction of change.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Review Sistematik: Model Pemulihan Penderita Gangguan Jiwa Berat Berbasis Komunitas

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129
Author(s):  
Retno Lestari ◽  
Ah Yusuf ◽  
Rachmat Hargono ◽  
Febri Endra Budi Setyawan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Mental Health Service ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Life Planning

People with severe mental illness have complex disabilities affecting mental functions, daily activities, and social life, thus they need help from others in carrying out daily functional activities. Optimizing the recovery of severe mental illness requires a holistic approach and integration between mental health services and supportive communities so that sufferers can interact with others, have a positive self-concept, and improve their well-being. This study aims to describe a community-based model of recovery for people with severe mental illness. Several literature studies were obtained from 50 reference sources through Science Direct, Google Scholar, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, Proquest Nursing, and Allied Health Sources from 2009 to 2019. Results explain that the community provides an adequate support system in improving the care of people with severe mental illness. Support systems in the community involve social and physical aspects as well as the economic infrastructure through employment opportunities or financial support and a decent living. The interaction between community members and people with severe mental illness could be a positive thing in strengthening the motivation of people with severe mental illness to recover and be able to do their activities independently. The recovery process of severe mental illness requires strong motivation and commitment from the sufferer, the family, all society members, community mental health service team, and related policymakers. It can be concluded that people with severe mental illness need support from various parties in terms of future life planning, identifying strengths and weaknesses that they have, and recognizing multiple obstacles and support so that they recover and live independently.

Depression in the Workplace

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Bogg ◽  
Sarah Green
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Working People ◽  
Labour Standards ◽  
Being There

This chapter discusses depression in the workplace from the perspective of employment law. Despite the myth that people with mental illness are unable to work, it is almost certain most working people will be working alongside someone who has experienced mental illness. The idea that mental health at work is a marginal concern is no longer sustainable, and reflects ingrained fears and prejudices about the ‘otherness’ of mental illness. The legal framework regulating employment is important in ensuring that work and employment have a constructive part to play in public health strategies to promote mental health and well-being. There are several avenues of legal protection available to those with mental illness such as depression. This chapter explores three regulatory approaches to depression at work that should be regarded as complementary, each with a distinctive contribution to achieving the so-called ‘inclusive workplace’ for those with mental health problems such as depression: the private law approach, the equality law approach, and the labour standards approach.

Group differences in social inclusion between young adults aged 18 to 25 with serious mental illness and same-aged peers from the general community

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 631-642
Author(s):  
Andrew Gardner ◽  
Sue Cotton ◽  
Brian O’Donoghue ◽  
Eóin Killackey ◽  
Peter Norton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stable Housing ◽  
Engagement Interventions ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
General Community

Aims: Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) are thought to be socially excluded. However, psychometric measures of social inclusion have not been employed to examine group differences relative to peers from the general community. The aim of this study was to employ such a measure to determine differences in social inclusion between young adults with SMI and peers from the general community. Methods: A cross-sectional hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to identify which dimensions and individual indicators from the Filia Social Inclusion Measure (F-SIM) discriminated between n = 152 young adults aged 18–25 from the general community ( M = 21.36, SD = 2.16) and n = 159 young adults aged 18–25 with SMI ( M = 21.13, SD = 2.21). Results: Group membership was accounted for by Interpersonal Connections (Nagelkerke R2 = .32), Vocational & Financial Security (Nagelkerke R2 = .32) and Healthy Independent Lifestyle (Nagelkerke R2 = .08) dimensions of the F-SIM. Relative to young adults from the general community, those with SMI were five times less likely to feel they had friends who would call on them in a crisis, odds ratio (OR) = .19 (95%CI = .04, .53), p = .04, almost five times more likely to live with their parents, OR = 4.79 (95%CI = 1.98,11.15), p = .004, almost four times less likely to have worked/studied any time over the past 12 months, OR = .27 (95%CI = .11,.64), p < .001, and three-and-a-half times more likely to report unstable accommodation, OR = 3.58 (95%CI = 1.14, 11.15), p = .03. Conclusion: Young adults with SMI are socially excluded relative to peers from the general community in terms of interpersonal connections, vocational engagement, autonomy/independence and housing stability. In addition to the well-established focus on vocational engagement, interventions to improve social inclusion in this population must promote reciprocity within social relationships and healthy autonomy/independence (including stable housing).

scholarly journals Promoting Recovery in Mental Illness: The Perspectives of Patients, Caregivers, and Community Members in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Masunga K. Iseselo ◽  
Joel Seme Ambikile
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Support System ◽  
Care Management ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Community Members ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background. Promoting mental health and care in the community setting leads to the recovery of patients with mental illness. Although recovery in mental health is a complex phenomenon, caregivers and community members have important roles to play in the recovery process for patients with mental illness. Little is documented on how recovery is promoted in the community setting. This study explored the experience of patients, caregivers, and community members on how recovery can be realized in a patient with severe mental illness in Dar es Salaam. Methods. We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs): two with caregivers and the other two with community members. Also, six in-depth interviews were held with patients with mental illness. Participants were purposively selected based on the type of information needed. Both FGD and in-depth interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data. Findings. Four themes emerged from this study, which include promoting patients’ participation in household activities, improving patients’ support system, promoting patients’ self-care management, and providing safety and protection among patients with mental illness. However, financial, psychological, and establishing care and support centers and professional supports emerged as subthemes from patients’ support system. Conclusion. Caregivers and community members are significant stakeholders for promoting recovery for people with mental illness. The current study reveals that patients’ involvement in home activities, promoting self-care management, improving patients’ support systems, and providing safety and protection are important factors that promote recovery for people with mental illness. Advocating mental health awareness for caregivers and community members will bridge the gap to enhance the recovery for people with mental illness. Further research is needed in this area to explore the health care providers’ perspectives on the recovery process of mental illness in the hospital setting.

scholarly journals Preferences of people with mental illness for engaging in exercise programs under COVID-19 restrictions

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622097529
Author(s):  
Justin J Chapman ◽  
Emily Hielscher ◽  
Sue Patterson ◽  
Nicola Reavley ◽  
Wendy J Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: People with mental illness may be vulnerable to decline in mental health and reduced physical activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The aim of this study was to inform the design of physical activity interventions for implementation under these conditions to improve/maintain well-being and physical activity in this population. Methods: People with mental illness who had participated in a physical activity program prior to the pandemic were invited to complete a survey about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical activity and their preferences for engaging in a physical activity program under pandemic-related restrictions. Results: More than half the 59 respondents reported worse mental health and lower physical activity during the pandemic. The preferred format for a physical activity program was one-on-one exercise instruction in-person in a park. Program components endorsed as helpful included incentivization, provision of exercise equipment and fitness devices, and daily exercise programs. About a third of the participants reported limitations in using technology for a physical activity program. Conclusions: In-person exercise support is preferred by people with mental illnesses during pandemic-related restrictions. Enablement strategies such as providing equipment and self-monitoring devices should be utilized; assistance may be needed to incorporate the use of technology in exercise programs.

scholarly journals Social Connection and Online Engagement: Insights From Interviews With Users of a Mental Health Online Forum

10.2196/11084 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e11084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Smith-Merry ◽  
Gerard Goggin ◽  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Kirsty McKenzie ◽  
Brad Ridout ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Being There

Background Over the past 2 decades, online forums for mental health support have emerged as an important tool for improving mental health and well-being. There has been important research that analyzes the content of forum posts, studies on how and why individuals engage with forums, and how extensively forums are used. However, we still lack insights into key questions on how they are experienced from the perspective of their users, especially those in rural and remote settings. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of a generalized peer-to-peer mental health online forum from a user perspective; in particular, to better explore and understand user perspectives on connection, engagement, and support offered in such forums; information and advice they gained; and what issues they encountered. We studied experiences of the forums from the perspective of both people with lived experience of mental illness and people who care for people with mental illness. Methods To understand the experience of forum users, we devised a qualitative study utilizing semistructured interviews with 17 participants (12 women and 5 men). Data were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was undertaken. Results The study identified 3 key themes: participants experienced considerable social and geographical isolation, which the forums helped to address; participants sought out the forums to find a social connection that was lacking in their everyday lives; and participants used the forums to both find and provide information and practical advice. Conclusions The study suggests that online peer support provides a critical, ongoing role in providing social connection for people with a lived experience of mental ill-health and their carers, especially for those living in rural and remote areas. Forums may offer a way for individuals to develop their own understanding of recovery through reflecting on the recovery experiences and peer support shown by others and individuals enacting peer support themselves. Key to the success of this online forum was the availability of appropriate moderation, professional support, and advice.

scholarly journals Social Connection and Online Engagement: Insights From Interviews With Users of a Mental Health Online Forum (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Smith-Merry ◽  
Gerard Goggin ◽  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Kirsty McKenzie ◽  
Brad Ridout ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Being There

BACKGROUND Over the past 2 decades, online forums for mental health support have emerged as an important tool for improving mental health and well-being. There has been important research that analyzes the content of forum posts, studies on how and why individuals engage with forums, and how extensively forums are used. However, we still lack insights into key questions on how they are experienced from the perspective of their users, especially those in rural and remote settings. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of a generalized peer-to-peer mental health online forum from a user perspective; in particular, to better explore and understand user perspectives on connection, engagement, and support offered in such forums; information and advice they gained; and what issues they encountered. We studied experiences of the forums from the perspective of both people with lived experience of mental illness and people who care for people with mental illness. METHODS To understand the experience of forum users, we devised a qualitative study utilizing semistructured interviews with 17 participants (12 women and 5 men). Data were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS The study identified 3 key themes: participants experienced considerable social and geographical isolation, which the forums helped to address; participants sought out the forums to find a social connection that was lacking in their everyday lives; and participants used the forums to both find and provide information and practical advice. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that online peer support provides a critical, ongoing role in providing social connection for people with a lived experience of mental ill-health and their carers, especially for those living in rural and remote areas. Forums may offer a way for individuals to develop their own understanding of recovery through reflecting on the recovery experiences and peer support shown by others and individuals enacting peer support themselves. Key to the success of this online forum was the availability of appropriate moderation, professional support, and advice.

Mental Health Care Reforms in Europe: Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion of People With Mental Illness in Russia

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Jenkins ◽  
David McDaid ◽  
Alexey Nikiforov ◽  
Angelina Potasheva ◽  
Jonathan Watkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Health Care Reforms ◽  
People With Mental Illness

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice towards mental health illnesses in an urban community in West Bengal: a community based study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abantika Bagchi ◽  
Paramita Sarkar ◽  
Rivu Basu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
People With Mental Illness

Background: Mental illness is a significant challenge and becoming more relevant in today’s fast paced world. According to WHO, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge about mental illness and attitude and practice of the public toward people with mental illness.  Methods: An observational, descriptive study with cross-sectional design was done among 200 adults of Bagh bazar slum, urban field practice area of department of Community Medicine, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India in May 2019 with a predesigned, pretested schedule.Results: Only 2.5% says that they are willing to live with a people with mental illness and only 1% has actually done so. Health-care seeking behavior shows that 54.5% will go to a general practitioner in case of any mental illness though only 2.5% believed that people with severe mental illness can fully recover.  Attitude toward mental illness showed mixed picture as also in knowledge.Conclusions: Health education and public awareness regarding mental illness can decrease the stigma, prejudice; discrimination attached with it and improves help-seeking behaviour of the community. This study provides insights into the cognitive and affective aspect of mental illness among adult population of the study area. It will also help in implementing better policies for increasing public awareness regarding mental illness.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document