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Retrospective
study shows more positive attitudes toward mental illness
(August/September
2007 Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
Results released in June of an attitudinal survey conducted by
Mental Health America indicate an upswing in attitude toward those
with mental illness, particularly depression, when compared with
a 1996 study.
According to David L. Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental
Health America, the country is "near the tipping point in terms
of acceptance." The 1996 survey indicated that only 38 percent of
Americans viewed depression as a health issue. In the recent survey,
that number jumped to 89 percent. Additionally, 64 percent of respondents
claimed better understanding and acceptance of various types of
mental illnesses and the behaviors they can provoke, Shern reports.
Shern says, though, that social distance measures remain below
acceptable. The survey cites a 94 and 92 percent comfort level interacting
with people who have diabetes and cancer, respectively. However,
comfort levels fall significantly when it comes to depression (63
percent), bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (45 percent), alcohol
or drug abuse (43 percent), and suicide (46 percent).
The survey also reveals that 67 percent of respondents would be
willing to share their depressive experiences, while only 58 percent
would discuss schizophrenia. Sixty-two percent expressed comfort
in talking about alcohol or drug problems and 60 percent would reveal
suicide attempts.
Sandy Rose, Ph.D., president of the New Hampshire Psychological
Association, believes that reduced stigma will prompt more patients
to seek help. "They are much more likely in my experience to tell
their colleagues at work or friends or family than they used to,
and thus more likely to receive community support," she says.
Additionally, the "growing sophistication in medical research and
understanding of mental health issues helps to validate the importance
of treatments," according to Rose. "There is a growing recognition
that the distinction between 'mind' and 'body' is artificial and
that interventions that impact on one also impact on the other."
John Mehm, Ph.D., member of the psychology faculty at the University
of Hartford and president of the Connecticut Psychological Association,
agrees that there is greater awareness of the various psychiatric
disorders, terminology, symptoms and treatment options. However,
he expresses concern that society has become nonchalant in labeling
people. "Full acceptance of a person with a psychiatric disorder
goes well beyond defining that person by his or her diagnostic label,"
he says.
Mehm proposes that psychologists become role models "for using
people-first language." He says, "Referring to an individual as
'a person with schizophrenia' emphasizes the humanity of that person.
Referring to the same individual as 'a schizophrenic' implies that
the person has vanished and all that remains is the diagnostic label."
In spite of the positive results, Ron Breazeale, Ph.D., chair of
the public education committee of the Maine Psychological Association,
reports seeing many patients with what he calls "compassion fatigue,"
which he blames on society's beliefs regarding terror management.
"Society is less tolerant of differences," Breazeale says.
He also voices concern over increasing "passivity" regarding self-care
and urges psychologists to work with patients to initiate lifestyle
changes and utilize preventive measures, rather than encouraging
pharmacological therapy.
Rose says that patient and advocacy group forums, together with
increased media attention will help educate the public and highlight
the role psychologists play in health care and help to further advances
in the mental health arena. She also urges psychologists to collaborate
with primary care physicians and to lobby for managed care legislation.
While the survey brings mostly good news, Shern points out other
areas of concern. "One of the biggest problems we face in mental
health and substance abuse are issues of access. Another issue is
recognition and equitable insurance coverage," he says. "We need
to do more to fully integrate positive thinking into communities."
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