Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders

Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 171
Release: 2016-09-03
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309439124

Estimates indicate that as many as 1 in 4 Americans will experience a mental health problem or will misuse alcohol or drugs in their lifetimes. These disorders are among the most highly stigmatized health conditions in the United States, and they remain barriers to full participation in society in areas as basic as education, housing, and employment. Improving the lives of people with mental health and substance abuse disorders has been a priority in the United States for more than 50 years. The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 is considered a major turning point in America's efforts to improve behavioral healthcare. It ushered in an era of optimism and hope and laid the groundwork for the consumer movement and new models of recovery. The consumer movement gave voice to people with mental and substance use disorders and brought their perspectives and experience into national discussions about mental health. However over the same 50-year period, positive change in American public attitudes and beliefs about mental and substance use disorders has lagged behind these advances. Stigma is a complex social phenomenon based on a relationship between an attribute and a stereotype that assigns undesirable labels, qualities, and behaviors to a person with that attribute. Labeled individuals are then socially devalued, which leads to inequality and discrimination. This report contributes to national efforts to understand and change attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that can lead to stigma and discrimination. Changing stigma in a lasting way will require coordinated efforts, which are based on the best possible evidence, supported at the national level with multiyear funding, and planned and implemented by an effective coalition of representative stakeholders. Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: The Evidence for Stigma Change explores stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with mental or substance use disorders and recommends effective strategies for reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek treatment and other supportive services. It offers a set of conclusions and recommendations about successful stigma change strategies and the research needed to inform and evaluate these efforts in the United States.

The Stigma of Mental Illness

The Stigma of Mental Illness
Author: Keith Dobson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2021-10-26
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0197572618

Stigma is one of the major barriers to care for people with mental health and related disorders. Stigma includes negative beliefs about and hostile perceptions towards others, shame and self-stigma, discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion and recognition of people who suffer from mental health challenges, and structural and organizational policies and processes that result in inequalities for people who have mental health challenges. Stigma has been recognized as a significant factor in the well-being of people with mental health and related problems and can be more debilitating than the direct effects of mental health problems themselves. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) was established to conduct policy reviews and to promote initiatives related to mental health. The Opening Minds program of the MHCC is the largest systematic effort in Canadian history to reduce stigma related to mental illnesses. The program has adopted the systematic development, evaluation and deployment of targeted programs based on theories of change, best practices and available research evidence as a model for stigma reduction. The Stigma of Mental Illness is an important vehicle to communicate conceptual issues in the field of stigma reduction, to document the work done to date within the MHCC Opening Minds program, and to offer practical strategies to broaden the scope and utility of the work for different contexts, cultures, and countries. This volume will be a global interest, given the growing importance of stigma reduction related to mental disorders and related problems.

Global Mental Health

Global Mental Health
Author: Vikram Patel
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 511
Release: 2013-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0199920184

This is the definitive textbook on global mental health, an emerging priority discipline within global health, which places priority on improving mental health and achieving equity in mental health for all people worldwide.

The Stigma of Mental Illness - End of the Story?

The Stigma of Mental Illness - End of the Story?
Author: Wolfgang Gaebel
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 648
Release: 2016-08-10
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3319278398

This book makes a highly innovative contribution to overcoming the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness – still the heaviest burden both for those afflicted and those caring for them. The scene is set by the presentation of different fundamental perspectives on the problem of stigma and discrimination by researchers, consumers, families, and human rights experts. Current knowledge and practice used in reducing stigma are then described, with information on the programmes adopted across the world and their utility, feasibility, and effectiveness. The core of the volume comprises descriptions of new approaches and innovative programmes specifically designed to overcome stigma and discrimination. In the closing part of the book, the editors – all respected experts in the field – summarize some of the most important evidence- and experience-based recommendations for future action to successfully rewrite the long and burdensome ‘story’ of mental illness stigma and discrimination.

Discrimination against the Mentally Ill

Discrimination against the Mentally Ill
Author: Monica A. Joseph
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2016-02-25
Genre: Psychology
ISBN:

How have individuals with mental illness been treated historically and what are their experiences today? This book investigates the historical and contemporary forms of discrimination faced by those with mental illness. This book provides a broad foundation on the history of mental illness and discrimination as well as the current treatment network and contemporary issues related to mental illness and discrimination. It presents a historical overview of the treatment of mental illness from the pre-asylum movement through the current system, identifying both overt and covert discrimination. It is an ideal resource for high school and college students researching how people with mental illness have experienced discrimination throughout history as well as for social justice advocates or professionals who work with persons with mental illness. Discrimination against the Mentally Ill reviews how persons with mental illness have been treated across time, exploring the impact of various forms of discrimination and how other contemporary issues relate to mental illness, including diversity, homelessness, veteran affairs, and criminal justice. The work includes primary source materials—historical and contemporary, from the United States and other nations—that serve to augment readers' understanding of the topic and foster development of critical thinking and research skills.

Perspectives and Considerations on Navigating the Mental Healthcare System

Perspectives and Considerations on Navigating the Mental Healthcare System
Author: Van Alstyne, Susan
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2023-05-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 166845050X

The world is in the midst of a mental health crisis. This combined with the complexities of health insurance regulations is putting our most vulnerable populations at risk. Further, mental health stigma influences people’s perceptions and makes it more difficult for vulnerable populations to get the help that they need. It is essential that there are sufficient resources in navigating complex mental healthcare systems. Perspectives and Considerations on Navigating the Mental Healthcare System provides recommendations about seeking mental healthcare in a complex system. It also raises awareness that many of those suffering need to overcome obstacles in seeking treatment. Covering topics such as mental health stigma, self-advocacy, and library support, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for caregivers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, community leaders, librarians, students and faculty of higher education, researchers, and academicians.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental Health in the Workplace
Author: Michelle B. Riba
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 218
Release: 2019-02-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3030042669

This book offers a guide to better understanding models of workplace mental health, as well as best practices for mental health professionals, employee assistance groups, employers and employees alike. The cost of depression at the workplace is staggering, both in terms of absenteeism and productivity loss while at work, and in terms of human and family suffering. Depression is highly prevalent and affects employees’ concentration, decision-making skills and memory, contributing to accidents and quality issues. Analyses indicate that the returns on investment for workplace mental health programs are significant, with employers reporting lower productivity-related financial losses and less need staff turnover due to mental health conditions. The book also addresses substance use and misuse, and ways to address such problems.

The Stigma of Mental Illness - E-Book

The Stigma of Mental Illness - E-Book
Author: Nicolas Ruesch
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
Total Pages: 293
Release: 2022-07-05
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0323834302

People with mental illness are often painfully familiar with overt prejudice or more subtle forms of mistreatment. The stigma and discrimination associated with their disorders can have effects in several areas of life: in social interactions, in work and healthcare settings, in the legal system and the media. Many withdraw due to shame and do not seek help. In turn, stigma can prove to be a more serious problem than the disorder itself. Yet too little is done to reduce stigma and its impact. The Stigma of Mental Illness: Strategies Against Discrimination and Social Exclusion offers up the knowledge necessary to understand and fight against stigma and discrimination. It will be invaluable to all health professionals, social workers, healthcare managers and policy makers with an involvement or interest in mental illness. - Broad coverage of the forms and consequences of stigma - Specific treatment of stigma in relation to diagnoses such as dementia and autism - Perspectives and strategies of a service user and a relative - Up-to-date concepts regarding exclusion and discrimination - Practical strategies for service users, relatives, healthcare professionals and policy makers

Systematic Approaches to Mental Health Care and Promotion

Systematic Approaches to Mental Health Care and Promotion
Author: Bach Tran
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 101
Release: 2020-06-05
Genre:
ISBN: 2889637328

Globally, mental health problems remain as one of the largest contributors to the population burden of diseases. According to WHO, common mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, affect the health of about 9% of the world’s population and account for over 10% of the total years lived with disability. In many parts of the world, the number of people with mental health disorders has been increasing, fueled by a rapid population growth and aging, as well as urbanization and immigration. It is estimated that 80% of these non-fatal diseases occurred in low and middle income countries. However, in such settings, coverage of both preventive and curative services is still very limited. Diversity in socio-cultural backgrounds and limited capacity of local health care systems are emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches to understanding and intervening in the issue. Although the social, economic and health burden of mental health issues are substantial, effectiveness of policies and interventions is varied across regions and largely driven by contextual factors. Evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches involve the synthesis of epidemiological surveys, assessment of clinical populations (e.g chronic medical diseases, chronic psychiatric illnesses) and studies exploring the role of biological markers in psychiatric illnesses. This Research Topic aims to introduce the latest research findings on the application of system-thinking in Mental Health Care and Promotion

Work Accommodation and Retention in Mental Health

Work Accommodation and Retention in Mental Health
Author: Izabela Z. Schultz
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 485
Release: 2010-11-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 144190428X

Growing interest in the field of mental health in the workplace among policy makers, clinicians, and researchers alike has been fueled by equal employment rights legislation and increasing disability statistics in mental heath. The importance of addressing this topic is underscored by the fact that depression now ranks second on the hierarchy of occupational disabilities. The problem is compounded by a host of factors, including major difficulties in job retention and productivity experienced by persons with mental health disabilities; younger age and higher education of persons with mental health problems; and labor shortages and an aging workforce in many industrialized countries. In addition, particularly in the United States, the vocational needs of army veterans returning from duty with mental health disorders require system-based solutions and new rehabilitation approaches. The pressure created by these powerful legislative, societal, and economic forces has not been matched by the state of evidence-based practices in the field of employment retention and job accommodation in mental health. Current research evidence is fragmented, limited in scope, difficult to access, and adversely affected by the traditional divide between the fields of psychiatry and psychology on one hand and interdisciplinary employment research and practices on the other. As a result, policy makers, employers, disability compensation systems, and rehabilitation and disability management professionals have been left without a critical "how to" evidence-informed toolbox for occupational practices to accommodate and retain persons with mental health disabilities in the workplace. Currently, no single source of knowledge and research evidence exists in the field that would guide best practices. Yet the need for workplace accommodations for persons with mental health disabilities has been growing and, based on epidemiological trends, is anticipated to grow even more in the future. These trends leave physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, vocational rehabilitation professionals, disability managers, human resource professionals, and policy makers poorly prepared to face the challenge of integrating and maintaining persons with mental health disabilities in the workplace. The aim of the Handbook is to close the gap between the needs of the professionals and networks that work with or study persons with mental heath disorders in an employment context and the actual knowledge base in the field. The Handbook will be written in language that can easily be understood by readers representing a multitude of disciplines and research paradigms spanning the mental health, rehabilitation, and employment fields of inquiry. The Handbook will contribute an integration of the best quantitative and qualitative research in the field, together with experts’ consensus, regarding effective work retention and accommodation strategies and practices in mental health. The book will consist of five major sections, divided into chapters written by recognized experts in these areas.