World Mental Health Day takes on discrimination

World Mental Health Day takes on discrimination

WHO research suggests that 1 in 4 people in OECD countries think people with a mental illness shouldn’t be allowed to hold any kind of public office.

Ongoing stigma and discrimination are seen as the biggest barrier to making progress on making mental health a global priority: “The stereotyped attitudes about mental ill health, which we call mental health-related stigma, can lead to the discrimination of people who have or are perceived to have mental ill health, which makes it harder for them to earn an income, have a voice in issues that affect them, gain access to quality health care, be part of their community and recover their mental health,” says the WHO.

Mental health literacy

To overcome these ‘invisible walls’, the WHO is calling for campaigns to improve mental health literacy among the general public, tackling general limitations in knowledge and understanding of what mental ill health means, and what it’s like to live with a mental illness.
Its own resources include the QualityRights toolkit, and free e-training course .

In the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care has its ‘Better Health – Every Mind Matters’ campaign, backed up by a number of practical exercises and advice for self-care, including the NHS-approved Mind Plan — a five minute mental wellbeing quiz that covers ‘money, work and housing’ and ‘life changes and difficult times’, leading to a simple and personalised mental health action plan. Its downloadable resources are available from a Campaign Resource Centre.

EAPs make it happen

EAPA UK chair Eugene Farrell said: “No-one involved with mental health would argue that the issue should be a top priority for governments and societies worldwide. There’s no health of any kind without mental health.

“Great progress has been made in the UK in terms of awareness and stigma in the UK, but as the WHO points out, there can sometimes be a lack of real understanding and empathy. A core issue is one of access to support. It should be a normal part of life for people to be thinking about their mental wellbeing, and to get early help and advice when it’s needed. While access to services is limited, seen as a last resort, help with mental health won’t be made to look and feel ‘normal’.

“This is where EAPs are going to play an increasingly essential role, as early stage support, accessible and reliable for all employees within organisations.”

World Mental Health Day takes on discrimination – EAPA