It is widely known, mental illness can have a debilitating effect on the consumer, as well as the consumer’s family and friends. Mental illness is a disorder of the brain that can influence thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and how consumers react in social situations (Qld.gov.au, 2014). In addition to coping with mental illness, consumers are also faced with mental illness stigma (MIS). Stigma is when fear and negative stereotypes result in a devaluation and discrimination of the mental illness consumer (Sane.org, 2017; Qld.gov.au, 2014). Media, community, self-stigma and association stigma all impact on seeking help, treatment and recovery of the consumer (Caputo & Rouner, 2011; Corrigan, Powell & Michaels, 2013; Qld.gov.au, 2014). Studies
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Mental illness online support services are available. In recent years, organisations such as Sane and BeyondBlue have embarked on multiple education campaigns to decrease the fear and increase mental illness awareness. Despite these efforts, MIS is still prevalent in society (Sane.org, 2017). The aim of this essay is to analyse the effectiveness of evidence based practice, MIS reduction programs implemented by internet based mental health support.
Media and societal norms are closely related. What is seen on, heard from and reported by the media, influences what people perceive as normal and acceptable behaviours (Corrigan, Powell & Michaels, 2013; Pescosolido, 2013). Consequently, a negative portrayal induces a societal shift of negativity towards that event or illness, thus shaping how communities and individuals view the world. In the past, news reports have shown mental illness associated with atrocities such as a son who killed his father in a schizophrenic episode, or the mentally ill mother who murdered her child (Brown, 2011; The Age, 2017). Additionally, a recent movie depicted a person with dissociative identity disorder (DID) …show more content…
This is known as association stigma and is when the person feels stigmatised and ashamed and can be associated with the amount of support offered to a relative or friend with mental illness (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Mental illness consumers can require multiple support systems, including physical, mental and emotional, that is quite often left to family members (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Association stigma can be related to how much open support the family member is willing to provide, if the family member feels ashamed or burdened by knowing or being seen to help a ‘crazy person’, they may not support the consumer as the community stigma could feel projected onto the family member (think ‘guilty by association’) (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Consequently, this associated stigma and burden of support can lead to a disruption or rift in the family unit, further compounding the consumer’s illness (Larson and Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Sane provides options and helpful tips for family members and carers on how to alleviate stresses and emotions that may develop from supporting and associating the consumer (Sane.org, n.d.). Not surprisingly, the people who frequent mental health websites are searching for support, either for themselves or for loved ones. Powell and Clarke (2006) found 33% of
Mental illness online support services are available. In recent years, organisations such as Sane and BeyondBlue have embarked on multiple education campaigns to decrease the fear and increase mental illness awareness. Despite these efforts, MIS is still prevalent in society (Sane.org, 2017). The aim of this essay is to analyse the effectiveness of evidence based practice, MIS reduction programs implemented by internet based mental health support.
Media and societal norms are closely related. What is seen on, heard from and reported by the media, influences what people perceive as normal and acceptable behaviours (Corrigan, Powell & Michaels, 2013; Pescosolido, 2013). Consequently, a negative portrayal induces a societal shift of negativity towards that event or illness, thus shaping how communities and individuals view the world. In the past, news reports have shown mental illness associated with atrocities such as a son who killed his father in a schizophrenic episode, or the mentally ill mother who murdered her child (Brown, 2011; The Age, 2017). Additionally, a recent movie depicted a person with dissociative identity disorder (DID) …show more content…
This is known as association stigma and is when the person feels stigmatised and ashamed and can be associated with the amount of support offered to a relative or friend with mental illness (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Mental illness consumers can require multiple support systems, including physical, mental and emotional, that is quite often left to family members (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Association stigma can be related to how much open support the family member is willing to provide, if the family member feels ashamed or burdened by knowing or being seen to help a ‘crazy person’, they may not support the consumer as the community stigma could feel projected onto the family member (think ‘guilty by association’) (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Consequently, this associated stigma and burden of support can lead to a disruption or rift in the family unit, further compounding the consumer’s illness (Larson and Corrigan, 2008; van der Sanden et al., 2014). Sane provides options and helpful tips for family members and carers on how to alleviate stresses and emotions that may develop from supporting and associating the consumer (Sane.org, n.d.). Not surprisingly, the people who frequent mental health websites are searching for support, either for themselves or for loved ones. Powell and Clarke (2006) found 33% of