Stigma prevails despite Scots’ instincts to ‘do the right thing’

One in four Scots will experience mental health problems (1) and more than 80% will suffer stigma or discrimination as a result (2).  Worryingly, this often occurs close to home with friends and family the most likely culprits to stigmatise, followed a close second by colleagues (2).

With support from family and friends the single most important factor in recovery (2), the ‘see me’ anti-stigma campaign is launching a timely new advertising campaign today (15 September 2008) to show Scots how simple it is to give positive support to friends, relatives and colleagues with mental illness.

Since the launch of ‘see me’ in 2002, 85% of people experiencing mental health problems feel more able to be open and talk about their illness (2).  At the same time, new ‘see me’ research shows Scots say they would react positively to a friend or relative with a mental health problem by talking to them about their problems (55%), asking them how they could help (50%) or trying to listen without judging (48%) (3).  Despite these encouraging findings, this desire to be supportive seems to be lost in translation with the lives of many experiencing mental illness still blighted by stigma and discrimination.

Suzie Vestri, acting Campaign Director at ‘see me’, thinks the reason for this is simple: “It’s not that Scots are ‘fair weather’ friends, they just don’t know how to put their good intentions into action. The fact is that most people desperately want to do the right thing by a friend or relative with mental illness, but fear of saying the wrong thing and making the situation worse holds them back.

Ironically, it’s doing the simple things that makes a real difference. You don’t have to have all the ‘right’ answers; simply talking and listening shows you care.  Just be there and be yourself.  Your support can make a real difference to someone’s recovery.”

While the negative effects of stigma are destructive, preventing people from seeking the help they need early; the effects of support are resoundingly positive and can help promote recovery.

Lynette McCutcheon (33) from Glasgow experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first child. Seven years later she also experienced panic attacks. The positive support of a friend was critical in her recovery. Lynette says: “I got support from my long term best friend, Elizabeth. She was great. She understood, she was never negative, she put no pressure on me to get better, and she was someone I could talk to and trust. Her support definitely helped me in my recovery. She helped me to take steps to get out of the house and I knew she was always there if I needed her.”

Information and practical advice on how to support a friend or relative with a mental health problem can be found at www.seemescotland.org

The new ‘see me’ advertising campaign will run on STV, Channel 4 Scotland and radio stations across Scotland from today.  This will be supported by a range of new poster images being distributed to communities across the country.

ENDS

Supporting interviews are available with people who have experienced stigma first hand, along with a friend or relative whose support was important in their recovery. Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Acting Campaign Director is also available for interview.

For more information including factsheets, ad campaign images or interviews please call Rebecca Charles or Katrina Muir at Smarts on 0131 561 0401/ 07855 331 779.

Notes to Editors

(1) Well? What Do You Think? (2006) The Third National Scottish Survey of Public Attitudes to Mental Health, Mental Well-being and Mental Health Problems (1216 respondents)
(2) Fairer Future (2007) National survey about the way in which stigma affects those with mental ill-health and the people who support them including friends, family and carers (1200 respondents)
(3) ‘see me’ Positive Support Survey (August 2008) National omnibus survey of the general public (1046 respondents)

About ‘see me’:

• The ‘see me’ anti-stigma campaign is run by an alliance of five Scottish mental health organisations: Highland Users Group (HUG), Support in Mind (Scotland), Penumbra, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Scottish Division) and Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

• ‘see me’ is funded by the Scottish Government.

• The ‘see me’ campaign features a programme of events and local and national initiatives to reduce the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland.

• The ’see me’ website www.seemescotland.org acts as a signpost site for those seeking information on stigma, mental health problems and support services in Scotland.