Many charities and organisations work to raise awareness for mental health, providing information, support and removing stigma. These can include mental health awareness groups, peer-led programs, and presentations from people with lived experience. However, the issue of mental health stigma is still a significant barrier to getting help and treatment, as people are less likely to seek it or stick with their treatments due to fears of discrimination, prejudice or lack of understanding.
Research shows that the way in which we perceive someone who has a mental health problem can impact on their ability to cope with it. When individuals are treated with respect and acceptance, they can successfully manage their condition and feel that they have the support they need. This can be the difference between receiving effective treatment and avoiding it.
It is therefore important that we continue to work towards reducing stigma. We can do this through positive communication, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable to talk about mental health and be open to discussion. This can be in the workplace, where employees are encouraged to speak up and share their experiences if they need to, or in the community, with local mental health organisations.
A study examining the role of media exposure, attitude, and familiarity in predicting mental health awareness found that attitude mediated the relationship between familiarity with mental illness and mental health awareness. This supports previous studies that affirmed the importance of attitude in improving attitudes towards individuals with mental illness and reducing stigma.
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