Changing mental health stigma

Sir, People living with mental illness in Argyll and Bute are being encouraged by two leading mental health organisations to take part in new research that will draw attention to the extent and impact of mental illness stigma in Scotland. The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Survey is being undertaken by See Me, Scotland's national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, and the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University.

The views and experiences people share will be used to make recommendations for the positive changes which can help create a Scotland that is free of mental illness prejudice and discrimination.

Responses to the survey will be anonymous as the organisations seek to find out more about the real-life experiences of people aged 18 and over who are living with complex, and/ or enduring mental illnesses.

While it is known that people living with these conditions experience discrimination, the research will explore how and where people face stigma, self-stigma, the impact this has, and most importantly, what needs to be done to make people’s lives better and prevent mental health conditions worsening or becoming unmanageable.

People have until Friday February 18 to complete the survey.

It is open to both people who have received a formal diagnosis, as well as those who have not been diagnosed formally but believe they may be experiencing one or more complex mental illnesses.

Living with a mental illness can be extremely challenging and this is made even worse by being the target of stigma and discrimination.

We encourage anyone who lives with, or has previously lived with, complex mental health conditions to take part in this research.

With their support and contribution, we have the chance to produce a definitive picture of the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with mental illness, and the impact it can have.

This is important as it will provide a strong evidence-base for campaigns to make the changes that will improve the lives of thousands of people in Scotland.

Potential participants can find full information, including eligibility requirements, at seemescotland.org/StigmaSurvey.

Jo Finlay, senior research manager,

Mental Health Foundation