Empowering you to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination

1. INTRODUCTION

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of the session you will:• Have been given information, facts and figures

about mental health problems• Have explored how mental health problems can

impact on the lives of young people (and adults)• Have considered some actions you can take to

challenge mental health stigma and discrimination

2. Quotes“Many people make jokes about depression / bi-polar / other

disorders and it can make people feel isolated. I was constantly picked on and called ‘emo’ because I was depressed. When people saw scars on my arms everyone made snide comments because they had no understanding.”

“Young people are afraid to admit to having a mental health problem through fear

and shame. Many people end up suffering in silence until something drastic happens.”

www.time-to-change.org.uk/young-people-programmeChildren and young people’s programme development. Summary of research and insights

3. Facts and Figures

• 1 in 10 young people aged 5 – 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder.*

• Young people suffering from anxiety in childhood are 3.5 times more likely than others to suffer depression or anxiety in adulthood.*

• Young people from BME groups are at higher risk of mental health problems and also have difficulty accessing services.*

• Refugee and asylum-seeking young people have more risk factors for poor mental health than other children. **

• The majority of people recover from mental health problems, especially if they’ve sought help early

*ONS 2004**Sheffield CAMHS Partnership Strategy Summary Document, 2007-2010

4. A definition of mental health

"The capacity to live a full, productive life as well as the flexibility to deal with its ups and downs. In children and young people it is especially about the capacity to learn, enjoy friendships, to meet challenges, to develop talents and capabilities.”

Source: Young Minds 1999

I have a diagnosis but have support .

I am well and coping with life's ups and

downs

I have no diagnosis.I am well and coping

with life's ups and downs

I have a diagnosisI am not coping and do not feel happy all or much of the time

I do not have a diagnosis . I am not coping and do not

feel happy all or much of the time

Mental W

ellbeing

Good wellbeing

Poor wellbeing

5. Mental health is on a continuum

6. Some types of mental health problems

• Depression – low mood, hopelessness, loss of energy• Anxiety disorders – sense of worry, panic, dread on a level that has a

negative impact on the person’s life• Eating disorders – sometimes distorted view of body shape and

weight – not just about dieting. Often low self esteem or control.• Self harm – often a way of coping with emotional difficulties.• Psychosis – change of reality. Sometimes hearing voices and seeing

things that others don’t see / hear. May feel paranoid.

For more information: www.rethink.org www.mind.org www.seemescotland.org

7. Why do people develop mental health problems?

• Some people feel it is a chemical imbalance• Some feel it is all about trauma (everyone has a

personal story of trauma, abuse, grief, separation loss etc)

• Some feel it is about deprivation• There are a lot of views but it is important that the

individual’s own view is listened to, considered important and respected

• There is no one answer

8. Many people report that the impact of stigma is harder to deal with than their

actual mental health problem

• A definition of stigma: The experience of shame or disgrace that sets people apart and identifies them as being different or undesirable

• A definition of discrimination: Less favourable treatment of people, which might include being less able to access opportunities and resources

Time to Change Children and Young People’s programme development Summary of research and Insights 2012

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9. Stigma & Discrimination Affect

• Self-confidence and well-being• Beliefs in society about violence and

danger• Family and friendships • Relationships• Education• Physical health

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10. Agree / disagree

• People with mental health problems are different from ‘normal’ people

• I know someone with a mental health problem • After experiencing a mental health problem

people are weaker• People aren’t discriminated

against because of mentalhealth problems

11. Impact of StigmaYoung People report that they have experienced stigma from:

• friends (70%)• parents (57%)• boyfriends and girlfriends (45%)• teachers (40%)

•26% said negative reactions from others had made them want to give up on life•57% said fear of stigma had stopped them applying for a job•32% said that it had stopped them applying for or taking up a place at college or university

Time to Change online survey, 1132 young people, April 2012

12. Possible impact of deteriorating mental health

WorseningMental Health

13. SECTION 3What can you do to challenge stigma and

discrimination?• Increase your awareness of mental health

problems• Consider it could be your friend, your family or

even yourself at some point in your life• If you can, challenge the negative treatment of

others because of their mental health problems e.g. don’t laugh along – mental illness is no joke.

• Develop a sense of injustice about this – MAKE A STAND AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD

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14. Considerations

Consider how you would feel if you talked about something really personal and...

• you were ridiculed by the people around you • no-one stood up for you• your friends laughed along • people avoided you

afterwards

15. How to support someone with a mental health problem

• Continue to be friendly• Ask how they are• Ask them what support they need• Small steps create big solutions• Know that you can help end stigma and

discrimination• Remember to look after yourself and get the

support you need

16. What could you do to make a difference with your peers?

• Talk about mental health problems• Talk about recovery and hope• Listen non-judgementally• Focus on the person’s strengths• See the whole person not just their mental health

problems!

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17. What can you do?

• You are probably more aware and educated than previous generations about mental health

• You have a real opportunity to create change

• Can you think of other campaigns that changed people’s view of things? E.g. kick racism out of football

• You can deliver an anti-stigma campaign in school or youth group, your local community – how would you design and deliver it?

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18. Develop a plan to challenge stigma and discrimination...

• in either your school, youth group, community or online

• think about – how you can deliver the Time to Change

message in a creative way– what materials you may need– who you would need to involve

19. You can do it

• Find out more information about the issue (www.time-to-change.org.uk)

• Watch “Stand Up Kid” and share it (www.youtube.com/timetochangecampaign)

• Like us on facebook (www.facebook.com/timetochange) or tweet us @timetochange or use #StandUp

• Pledge to support Time to Change (www.time-to-change.org.uk/pledgewall) and encourage your friends to do the same

• Run an event in your local community or join in one of ours• Run an anti-stigma campaign in your school, youth group,

community or online

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20. Here’s how to pledge

• To be inserted