Research Highlights Discrimination Experienced †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Research Highlights Discrimination Experienced. Answer: Introduction Mental health problems have become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Nordqvist (2017) defines mental health as cognitive, behavioral and emotional well-being. Mental health is about individuals thoughts, feelings and behavior and at times it can be used to refer to the absence of a mental disorder. It is a condition that has an impact on physical health, relationships and daily life. Mental illness, on the other hand, is a combination of a variety of psychiatric disorders such schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, mood, eating, and personality. Poor knowledge regarding mental health issues and the negative attitudes held towards people with mental illnesses is widespread amongst the public. It is so unfortunate that many individuals do not understand mental health problems and therefore are likely to view people suffering from the condition negatively (Sane.Org 2016). This often results in patients of mental health to be treated in a bad way or the society labels the m in a way they hurt their place in the community. This is commonly referred to as stigmatization and discrimination. This report will, therefore, look at the widely held perspective of mental health and compare and contrast the attitudes towards mental health between Australia and New Zealand. World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of complete physical mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence a disease or an infirmity. This definition has three primary ideas that may result in the improvement of mental health and are important. The value difference across countries, counties, genders, classes, and cultures may appear too big to agree on a definition. However, another proposed definition of mental health by WHO has been a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community." Mental health is, therefore, the basis for the well-being and effective functioning of the community and individuals. There is some level of interdependency between social, physical and mental health and therefore physical and mental health cannot exist alone (World Health Organization, 2015). Individuals in Australia wants a good life shared with friends and families and full of opportunities in involvement in making contributions to the various aspects of life (Mental Health Commission 2014). Good mental health is a basic thing in building and maintaining a good life. According to Mental Health Commission (2014), one out of five people in Australia is likely to experience mental health problems at least once in their lifetime. This is an indication that Australians are affected by poor mental health either at an individual level or through a colleague, friend, family member or even neighbors. It is important to note that lifelong mental illness that is experienced by people has a significant impairment in every facet of their lives and at times requires long periods of hospitalization. Mental Health Commission (2014) notes that mental health issues can be accompanied by other challenges such as physical health, alcoholism and other drug-related issues, interaction with t he criminal justice system and disabilities. The stigma associated with mental health issues can be shameful and result in isolation for the victims. Some challenges are encountered from the negative attitudes towards mental health such as high suicide rates and vulnerability of young people to developing mental health problems. However, according to the report by Mental Health Commission (2014), many individuals have invested their time and energy in sharing their experiences of living with mental health challenges which have, in turn, resulted in more support towards the desired changes. Negative attitudes persist amongst the members of the society where the stigma acts as a disgrace that sets individuals apart from the rest. Some of the identified negative attitudes effects are the shame, blame, hopelessness, distress, reluctance to seek help and misrepresentation in the media (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015). WAAMH.org (2018) therefore actively seeks to promote positive attitudes in the wider community through informing and educating them on how to respond effectively to these challenges, build resilience and reduce stigma to enhance the promotion of a community that is mentally healthy. In a study conducted by the University of Melbourne concerning attitudes towards mental health across the country, the findings indicate no significant difference for all the analyses done in stigmatizing attitudes to the Australian population (University of Melbourne 2015). Also, the levels of discrimination and stigma did not differ in the national population. In another study by Lam, Jorm and Wong (2010), conducted on the Chinese community members in Melbourne regarding their attitudes towards individuals with mental illness and training regarding the mental health first aid knowledge on mental disorders indicated the prevalence of negative attitudes on the mental health. However, significant improvements were noted in mental disorders recognition and treatment, and there were reduced negative attitudes. With an increase in knowledge concerning this condition, the community at large is determined to change the perceptions of mental health. The general community members have less k nowledge about mental health problems even though mental disorders are so prevalent in the society where virtually everyone is prone to developing the disorders or have close contact with an individual who suffers from the condition. Different individuals in different settings tend to have varied perceptions regarding the issue. New Zealand is a country found in Australia. Kazantzis et al., (2010) states that people with mental illness challenges have for a long time been treated in psychiatric hospitals that are perimetered to separate them from the community. The integration with community members is challenging because of the stigma associated with mental illness. In the research by Kazantzis et al. (2010) on community attitudes in New Zealand, they note that from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, they found out that older community has strong authoritarian views where they view mentally ill people to be inferior. The relationship between gender and attitudes provide conflicting results where the studies conducted in New Zealand show that both age and gender has no significant contribution to negative attitudes towards mental health In another study by Debbie Peterson (2005) on family attitudes toward mentally ill people, the families have been seen to contribute to mental illness by either causing or aggravating it. The family members also appear to be uninformed and have strained relationship coupled with discrimination. The attitudes towards mental health are so negative that mental illness is rarely mentioned because people do not like to talk about it, the media and the government seems to ignore it. It is a subject that is left behind closed doors. Due to the negative attitudes showed towards mentally ill people, there have been high rates of suicide and high levels of untreated mental illness cases. Stuff Nation (2017) states that the issue of mental illness is viewed as a taboo and people have been taught to deal with it privately. Mental health has been treated differently to physical health but they are equally important, and this is an area that the government of New Zealand ought to pay more attentio n to. Another contributor to the negative attitudes is lack of mental health education among the community and thus results in increased stigma and discrimination. The community of New Zealand requires to talk more about the mental health, reach out to families and friends to stop the increased stigma and discrimination. Discrimination and stigmatization are widespread in almost all sectors of the society, and this is an important health issue that requires being solved. The negative attitude limits social integration and recovery. There is a widespread negative attitude that compares the two counties. Mrtensson, Jacobsson, and Engstrm (2014) identify stigma as a social construct which happens when society members distinguish and labels individual differences causing them to experience discrimination and status loss. The attitudes can, therefore, be identified as responses either behavioral or cognitive towards individuals with mental health problems. Australia and New Zealand compare in that despite the attitudes held, with increased knowledge and awareness creation in mental health, people are taking up responsibilities to develop positive attitudes that will aid in recovery and a sense of self-worth (Mrtensson, Jacobsson and Engstrm 2014). In areas where there are different cultures especially fro m the study conducted by Lam, Jorm, and Wong (2010), on the Chinese community in Melbourne, there is the prevalence of more negative attitudes compared to stigmatization. The attitudes in New Zealand appear to be more negative, and there is the need to enhance more public awareness in both countries at large to enhance positive attitudes. The beliefs of people towards mental health set out their interaction, opportunities offered and support given to individuals with mental health conditions. (Kobau et al. 2012). Kobau et al. (2012) also note that the beliefs and attitudes held towards mental health frames how individuals express their own experiences on emotional issues and psychological distress. This also determines their disclosure of the symptoms and steps of seeking care. The mental disorders are common, and anyone can get affected. Personal knowledge shapes the beliefs and attitudes towards mental health disorders, and when the attitudes are expressed positively, inclusive and supportive behaviors arise. Also, when the beliefs and attitudes are negatively expressed, situations such as discrimination, exploitation, exclusion from daily activities and avoidance are likely to happen. Stigmatization arises from the attitudes held and mainly comprises of negative attitudes and beliefs that compel the public to show rejection, fear, avoidance, and discrimination against individuals suffering from mental disorders. It is notable according to Kobau et al. (2012) that discrimination and social exclusion that arises because of stigma, unequal employment opportunities, resource accessibility, educational opportunities and lack of a supportive community. Victims of stigmatization also lack access to quality healthcare, and when these disparities arise, the cumulative negative impacts may have a long-term effect. In an article by Relationship Australia Organization (2015), there is a concurrence that discrimination and stigma interfere with connections and relationships with community members, friends, family, and friends. The article further notes that the recovery process of people with mental health issues is affected. However, to enhance a reduction in individual and i nstitutional discrimination, the understanding of the community requires being strengthened. When this happens, people can identify and have a better understanding of the early signs of mental distress (RelationshipAustraria.Org 2015). O'Hara (2009) and Sane Organization (2016) identifies that attitudes towards mental health are changing for the better. In a survey conducted by Sane Org (2016), people with mental health problems appear to be receiving better treatment from co-workers, partners, family and the community when looking for jobs. They have been receiving positive treatment, but there are some exceptions that O'Hara (2009) and Sane organization (2016) notes that are still prevalent such as when looking for work in the insurance, banking and the legal system. The research by O'Hara (2009) notes that there are some aspects on the attitudes of mental health that remain negative and the campaigners who are destined and tasked with changing the perception of people towards mental illness and health have given warnings that the negative attitudes are bound to persist especially with severe conditions such as schizophrenia. Caution should also be taken against the persistent of media links between mental illness and violence that foster negative stereotypes (O'Hara, 2009). In Australia, according to Sane.Org (2016) findings, the workers are fearful of disclosing their mental conditions as compared to those from the European nations. This is an indication of the role played by stigmatization towards mental health attitudes. RelationshipAustraria.Org, (2015), Sane.Org (2016) and O'Hara (2009) suggests that success in the reduction of discrimination against people living with mental health will be attained through instilling initiatives that are a nti-stigma, anti-discrimination with long-term and broad positive effects. The differences in mental health attitudes appear to be severe in communities where a society comprises different cultures, and there is a high value that is placed in conformity. Individuals who are mentally ill tend to deviate from the norm, and this will mean that in such societies there will be a tendency of having more negative attitudes compared to where there are common cultural values (Griffiths et al. 2010). From the comparison and contrast on the different attitudes of mental health in the two countries, several things can be deduced from mental health disorders. The common attitudes held are likely to cause the victims always to perceive the likelihood of discrimination in their society. The stigmatizing attitudes towards mental disorders victims have being on the decline throughout the country (University of Melbourne 2015). The perceived unpredictability and danger associated with suicidal thoughts, chronic and early schizophrenia have recorded an increase from studies conducted in Melbourne and throughout the country, but on the other hand, social distance has declined (University of Melbourne 2015). Because of the reduction of social distance, the study carried out in Melbourne indicates that there is a higher likelihood of individuals becoming more aware of other people who are suffering from mental health disorders. It also possible that the attitudes towards mental health arise from the generalization of the beliefs of the danger and violence associated with mental health disorders patients such as schizophrenia and thus the negative treatment they receive (Griffiths et al. 2010). Mental health first aid training amongst the Chinese in Melbourne's study show essentiality in that the training increases the participant's ability to recognize the various disorders, the altered beliefs on mental health and in turn a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes (Lam, Jorm and Wong 2010). Negative mental health attitudes are high in cases where the society has little of no mental health literacy. Expectations are that increased knowledge will reduce the levels of discrimination and stigmatization gradually. Another finding from this research is that persons with mental health disorders are likely to be avoided that to be discriminated against by friends and families (Sane.Org, 2016). This is a key highlight to the importance of social connections in all area of interactions such as educational institutions, workplaces, and other social environments. This shows the need for the society to support mental health victims to overcome anticipated discrimination in social environments and educate employers in the workplaces to support the reduction of stigma (University of Melbourne 2015). This can be done through anti-stigma campaigns to focus on eliminating negative attitudes. Australia has adopted several approaches to challenge stigma because it is the responsibility of all individuals to create a mentally healthy society that is in full support of social inclusion, support recovery and is active in the reduction of discrimination (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015). Some of the approaches that the society engages in are through learning and sharing facts related to mental illness and health, knowing people who have mental illnesses experiences, protesting when negative stereotypes and false beliefs are being portrayed by the media, family, friends concerning mental health and by offering support to people who are mentally and physically ill. New Zealand should also adopt approaches and programs that will enhance reduction of stigma and promote positive attitudes. To enhance positive mental health attitude, people should also treat mental health patients with dignity and respect and allow them free participation in social activities without any form of discriminatio n (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015). Conclusion From the studies and research conducted in Australia and New Zealand, awareness and training enhance effective recognition of mental health disorders and in turn, reduces the stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs to allow a positive approach to treatment. The similarity in the levels of stigma and discrimination shows the prevalence of the attitudes towards mental health. This is a representation of similar attitudes across the globe, and therefore widespread campaign should be facilitated to allow improvement in mental health literacy. To change the attitudes in the countries and surrounding, respect and participation is a key aspect where dignity and respect are accorded to people with mental health problems and in their participation in the different aspects of life to enrich the community life. Engagement of individuals suffering from mental health as advisory partners in mental health developments across all level will aid in recovery and changes in perceptions of mental health amo ngst people. Acknowledging diversity and quality of life by maintaining meaningful relationships has been undertaken to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health issues. Bibliography Lam, A.Y., Jorm, A.F. and Wong, D.F., 2010. Mental health first aid training for the Chinese community in Melbourne, Australia: effects on knowledge about and attitudes toward people with mental illness.International journal of mental health systems,4(1), p.18. This is an article which speaks about first aid training in case one has mental health issues in the Chinese community. that lives in Melbourne. It analyses the effects that mental health first aid training has on the knowledge and attitudes that the major population has towards those who suffer from mental health. Mrtensson, G., Jacobsson, J.W. and Engstrm, M., 2014. Mental health nursing staff's attitudes towards mental illness: an analysis of related factors.Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing,21(9), pp.782-788. This article is an analysis of the kinds of attitudes that nurses have towards patients who are mentally ill. The attitude that a nurse has can have an impact on the type of service they offer to mentally ill patients. Other factors that lead the nurses to have such attitudes are further analysed. Healthywa.wa.gov.,2015. Stigma. Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from Government of Western Australia: Department of Health: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Stigma The article is written by the Government of Western Australia and looks at stigma related to mental health. Many patients with mental illness face stigma hence leading to late treatment as they feel like they are constantly judged by the society. Stigma has devastating effects as it aggravates the problems of mentally ill patients. Griffiths, K.M., Nakane, Y., Christensen, H., Yoshioka, K., Jorm, A.F. and Nakane, H., 2006. Stigma in response to mental disorders: a comparison of Australia and Japan.BMC psychiatry,6(1), p.21. The article compares the types of stigma that mental patients undergo both in Australia and Japan. Different countries have different cultures hence the stigma faced by mental health patients varies. The way the population perceives mental health patients in Australia and Japan are totally different. Kazantzis, N., Wakefield, A., Deane, F.P., Ronan, K.R. and Johnson, M., 2009. Public Attitudes Toward People with Mental Illness in New Zealand, 19951996.The Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling,15(2), pp.74-91. This article looks at how the New Zealand population views people with mental health. It does a research in 1995 and 1996 and how attitudes are during these years. It looks at the effect of attitudes on people with mental illness and the rates at which these people can come out and seek help. Mental Health Commission. ,2014. Governmen of Western Australia Mental Health Commission. St Georges Terrace: Mental Health Commission (https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/media/1316/mhc-strategic-plan.pdf). This article gives an overview of various factors that affect mental health in Australia. It looks at the trends in the country and the various initiatives that the government has taken to resolve mental health issues. It also looks at steps that are being taken to assist those with mental issues and reduce the rates of people suffering from mental health. Nation, S. ,2017. Suicide and mental health: NZ's quiet crisis. Retrieved 04 15, 2018, from Stuff Nation: https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/share-your-news-and-views/14884954/Suicide-and-mental-health-NZs-quiet-crisis The article looks at how mental health leads to higher suicide rates. It is done in New Zealand and speaks about how mental health patients are committing suicide due to the stigma and frustration associated with the same. Many patients are afraid of seeking help or speaking out and resort to committing suicide. Nordqvist, C. (2017, 08 24). What is mental health? Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543.php This article gives a description of mental health and the symptoms that one should watch out for. Some people have mental health issues but are not aware of the symptoms hence ignore to seek help. It further looks at the effect of mental health on various aspects of life. O'Hara, M. ,2009, 06 12. Attitudes to mental illness 'changing for the better'. Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2009/jun/12/mental- illness-health-attitudes This article explains how there are generally better attitudes by the population about mental health. Decades ago there were many stereotypes as pertains to mental health. With a lot of education, a lot of changes are being witnessed in the society and it is a positive direction. Peterson, D. ,2005. Families Attitudes and Mental Illness. Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. The article looks at the perception of families on mental health. Families have a great impact on how a mentally ill patient will recover. Their support is vital in the journey of a mentally ill patient. Lac of family support is what escalates suicide rates among mentally ill patients. RelationshipAustraial.Org. ,2015. October 2015: Mental health stigma. Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from Relationship Australia: https://www.relationships.org.au/what-we- do/research/online-survey/october-2015-mental-health-stigma The article looks at the prevalence of stigma towards mental health. Mental health is an issue that has not been discussed in the open for a long time. It further looks at the effect of stigma on how mental health is handled among people. Kobau, R., Zack, M.M., Barile, J.P., Marshall, C., Bornemann, T., Otey, E.M., Davis, R.K., Garraza, L.G., Walrath, C., Manderscheid, R.W. and Palpant, R.G., 2012. Attitudes toward mental illness: Results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. This looks at a study that was carried out by looking at the behavioral risk factor surveillance system to understand the attitudes that people have towards mental illness. It analyses the different reactions they have once they hear that one has a mental illness. Sane.Org. ,2016,. New research highlights discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems looking for work. Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from Sane Australia: https://www.sane.org/media-centre/media-releases-2016/1714-new-research-highlights-discrimination-experienced-by-people-with-mental-health-problems-looking-for-work The article looks at the difficulties those suffering from mental health undergo while they are for work. Employers prefer not to employ such people as they have stereotyped them. It gives advice on what should be done so that more people with mental illness are employed and how such people can be embraced in the society. University Of Melbourne. ,2015. National Surveys of Mental Health Literacy and Stigma and National Survey of Discrimination and Positive Treatment: A report for the Mental Health Commission of NSW. Mental Health Commission of NSW, Sydney. The study done by the University of Melbourne looks at the statistics surrounding mental health literacy and the stigma that faces those with mental illmess. It looks also at various initiatives intended in bringing positive treatment to mentally ill patients. It also look at the literacy levels of populations as regards mental health. World Health Organization. ,2015. Promoting Mental Health. The WHO looks at ways in which mental health can be promoted by educating people so that rate of stigma is reduced. It looks at initiatives that can be taken by health institutions and families so that mentally ill patients are at ease.