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Using participatory video to challenge the stigma of mental illness: a case study
- Authors:
- BUCHANAN Avril, MURRAY Michael
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 14(1), 2012, pp.35-43.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Despite advances in the treatment of different forms of mental ill health, it continues to attract substantial stigmatisation, with public attitudes being increasingly negative. While reviews have highlighted the extensive research on the nature of this stigma, there is limited work on the development of strategies to challenge the stigma. The aim of this case study was to examine the potential of researchers and mental health service users (MHSUs) working collaboratively to identify the main problems the service users experience in their everyday lives and to produce a video challenging the negative image of mental ill health. Discussions were held with volunteers involved in a mental health media action group; all volunteers had been or were currently MHSU. These discussions identified a variety of problems including difficulties in everyday social interaction and negative portrayal of mental ill health in the media. A short video was developed with volunteers summarising the issues they had raised: this was subsequently shown to a wider audience. The MHSUs reported considerable personal benefits of participation in the project. The paper discusses these findings and the process of producing the video.
Mental illness and suicide in British South Asian adults
- Author:
- INEICHEN Bernard
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 15(3), 2012, pp.235-250.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
South Asians make up about 4.7% of the UK population. Studies from the 1990s concluded that the mental health of British people of South Asian origin was at least as good, and probably rather better, than that of the ethnic majority. Their rates for mental illness and suicide have been shown by some researchers to be lower than that of the total UK population, using a variety of measures, and considering many psychiatric conditions. This paper reviews the literature on the extent of mental illness among British South Asian adults, and explores aspects of their service use, and their attitudes to mental illness. Some distinguishing features of British South Asian mental health are identified, including areas justifying further research. The author concludes that variations in the South Asian population including generation, country of origin, religion, class, wealth and geography, emphasise the growing need to disaggregate this population when presenting data about them.
Finding common ground: the boundaries and interconnections between faith-based organisations and mental health services
- Authors:
- LEAVEY Gerard, DURA-VILA Gloria, KING Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Religion and Culture, 15(4), 2012, pp.349-362.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Healing, in theological terms, and from sociological and anthropological theoretical perspectives, is a central function of most religions. A common theme in the literature of religion and mental health is the need for dialogue between psychiatry and faith-based organisations in the care of people with mental health problems. There are, hover, boundaries that are so tightly drawn that it is hard to see where they might share values and concerns. This article explores the interface areas of religion and mental health care in order to consider where consensus and from where collaboration might emerge. It suggests that while certainly there is a need for dialogue and mutual understanding, there is also a need for psychiatry and faith groups to explore the nature and boundaries of proposed relationships. The article explores: the role of faith-based organisations in mental health care; the role of clergy in mental health care; and the role of religion in psychiatry.
'Drone strikes
- Author:
- DALY Max
- Journal article citation:
- Druglink, 27(6), November 2012, pp.8-11.
- Publisher:
- Drugscope
- Place of publication:
- London
In this article, the author reports on the results of the Druglink Street Drug Trends 2012 survey. The survey, undertaken between September and November 2012, was based on information from police forces, drug action teams, frontline treatment services and user groups in 20 towns and cities, and from interviews and questionnaires involving drug experts, national drug services and drug workers across the UK. The article focuses in particular on the survey findings concerning use of mephedrone. It reports that despite a ban in 2010 mephedrone is becoming a significant problematic drug, and that more people are requesting help with physical and psychological problems associated with their mephedrone use. It notes mephedrone's relatively low cost, easy availability and reliable potency, and that it is being taken by a more diverse population. It discusses trends in use of the drug and possible reasons for this, and includes a brief user case example and a Barnsley case study report for Addaction on mephedrone injecting. It also reports on other major trends revealed in the 2012 survey.
Researching the mental health status of asylum seekers: reflections and suggestions for practice
- Authors:
- BERNARDES Dora, WRIGHT John, LIVINGSTONE Andrew G.
- Journal article citation:
- Diversity and Equality in Health and Care, 9(3), 2012, pp.201-208.
- Publisher:
- Insight Medical Publishing
This study investigated aspects of the mental health of asylum seekers who had recently arrived in the UK. It used the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Scale, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview, the Clinical Outcomes Routine Evaluation and in-depth interviews. A total of 29 asylum seekers, 26 of whom were male, representing 13 countries, agreed to take part. Findings revealed that the participants all experienced a feeling of fear and sadness about the uncertainty of their application for asylum, while fear of deportation affected their ability to carry out activities of daily life. Social support was deemed essential in helping them cope with these difficulties. The paper ends with some reflections on the challenges that arose during the investigation, and presents recommendations to help other researchers undertaking similar research.
Turning the tables
- Author:
- SLOCOMBE Will
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, September 2012, pp.28-29.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
A psychiatrist called Isabel Wilson (1895-1982) designed and created a group of table mats for a group of her colleagues. These table mats called, ‘Table Mats of the Famously Insane’, depicted various characters who might be called ‘famous’ and ‘insane’, including George III, an Egyptian god, and King Lear. They were accompanied by coasters designed around the topic of ‘causes and cures’ including drugs, the moon, and psychotherapy. Inspired by this story, CorpoArt, a small service user venture was commissioned to design their own set of table mats on the theme of famous psychiatrists and ‘causes and cures’. The aim was to introduce them to something of the history of psychiatry and how far it has come, and also to allow them to articulate their own experiences of treatment. The resulting mats are varied and interesting. Some focus on the designs of Wilson’s original mats. Another focuses on the ways in which mental health problems are ‘hidden’. Others are inspired by things that help people to cope, including activities such as cycling and the role of the mother. These mats may serve as a useful springboard into a conversation between service users and mental health professionals.
Research watch: the power of genetic and biological explanations to reduce social inclusion
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 16(3), 2012, pp.116-120.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This review summarises two recent research papers relating to the use of biological explanations. The first paper highlights how unhelpful it can be to over-use genetic explanations for various human experiences, and the second paper discusses the unhelpfulness of exclusively biological explanations for mental health conditions. The first paper explores the many ways in which genetic explanations are over-used to understand race, ethnicity, the sexes, sexual orientation, crime, mental health and obesity. This over-use of genetic explanations leads to various negative consequences, among them social exclusion, but may be counteracted by better explanations of both the relatively weak nature of genetic influences and how people's genes and environment interact. The second paper examines evidence about whether it is really helpful to think of mental health conditions as illnesses “like any other”. The author points to the need for promoting a more holistic understanding of human experience, and against focusing too narrowly on only one kind of cause, namely biological, and mostly on one aspect of biology – genes.
Rainbow redemption: mental health takes centre stage
- Author:
- WILSON Latoya
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 16(3), 2012, pp.135-138.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the experience of using drama to demystify and destigmatise mental illness. Drama can be an effective way of increasing mental health awareness. It can also be an enjoyable way of getting across the message that even those who lack mental wellbeing have dreams and can achieve them. The article provides a descriptive account of a drama project from the perspectives of participants and the author. The innovative use of drama to promote mental wellbeing, the diverse partnerships that underpinned the production, and the positive impact on performers and audience are outlined. Key to success was good joint working between a range of health, social care and community agencies, as well as local service users. Financial resources for putting on the production provided by the local mental health trust were also crucial.
Positive duty of care? The mental health crisis in immigration detention: a briefing paper by the Mental Health in Immigration project
- Authors:
- McGINLEY Ali, TRUDE Adeline
- Publisher:
- Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees; Bail for Immigration Detainees
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
The Mental Health in Immigration Detention Project is a policy initiative which aims to secure the humane and lawful treatment of immigration detainees. It is a joint project by the Association of Visitors to Immigration Detainees (AVID) and Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID). The project was started in 2010 in response to policy changes by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), bringing together the concerns of visitors groups and detention organisations, and drawing on expert advice from specialist lawyers and clinicians. This paper states that people with mental illness should never be subjected to immigration detention. However, while people with mental illness are being detained, AVIS and BID aim to ensure: that they are treated humanely and in accordance with best practice, receiving care equivalent to that found in the community; and that the UKBA acknowledges its duty of care for people with mental ill health, and exercises that positive duty in accordance with its legal obligations
Doing good does you good: a pocket guide to helping others
- Author:
- MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 20p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Evidence shows that helping others can have a positive effect on your own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness. This pocket guide has been produced in order to make people aware of the positive impact that helping others can have on their own mental health, and to provide tips and suggestions to help them get started. It also includes a diary which people can use to keep note of the good deeds they have done, or that others have done to them, and how that made them feel. Carrying out good deeds doesn’t need to take a lot of time or even cost money. This booklet provides some ideas and tips, specifically considering the areas of: volunteering; mentoring; doing something for a good cause; and random acts of kindness.