[Stitcher]

The stigma of being mentally ill

Published: Wednesday, 23-Jul-2008
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=40196

A mental health poll carried out in Britain has uncovered some shocking revelations.

The poll conducted by the charity Rethink found that nine out of ten people with mental health problems in England say they are frequently stigmatised and often by those closest to them.

The groundbreaking research reveals that millions of people with mental illness are unable to do ordinary everyday things such as shopping, going to the pub, making new friends or applying for jobs.

The survey which involved more than 3,000 people with mental health problems has revealed the extent of the discrimination the mentally ill are subjected to... this includes discrimination by family, (36%), closely followed by employers (35%), neighbours (31%) and friends (25%).

Those revealed as most accepting include children, teachers, shopkeepers, and public transport workers.

Two thirds with mental health problems say they have stopped doing things because of the stigma they face and it can even prevent people from reporting a crime.

The results are a concern because the rates of mental illness appear to be on the rise.

Rethink say they also found discrimination impacted on carers of people with mental illness.

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