Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Psychology in the Real World: Understanding yourself and others: an attempt to have an impact on stigma and social inclusion
- Authors:
- HOLMES Guy, GAHAN Lucy
- Journal article citation:
- Groupwork, 16(3), 2006, pp.9-25.
- Publisher:
- Whiting and Birch
This article describes (and presents data from an evaluation of) a Psychology in the Real World course that attempts to bridge the gap between adult education courses and NHS groupwork. In particular it looks at whether groups such as this one can have an impact on social exclusion and stigma, and reports modest changes in people's attitudes regarding mental illness, and in terms of loneliness, accessing education and employment.
Research watch: is social inclusion for service users increased when mental health professionals "come out" as service users?
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 22(2), 2017, pp.73-79.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper discusses two recent studies of mental health professionals who have experience of mental distress, one in the USA and one in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to highlight different experiences, first of largely concealing their experience, and second of disclosing and using it. Design/methodology/approach: The Australian study examined the barriers experienced by mental health professionals, including trainees, in relation to seeking help. The USA study reported on a sample of mental health professionals who were doing well, including leaders of services, despite current or past mental distress. Findings: Both studies included more psychologists than other mental health professionals. Australian mental health professionals reported similar fears and barriers to those found in other studies, in addition to concern about their colleagues’ duty to report impairment to the regulating body. Professionals in the USA-based study were described as potentially helpful in reducing stigma about mental distress because their achievements demonstrated that recovery is possible. However, many of them were also cautious about who they disclosed to, and wanted further reduction in stigma and discrimination. Originality/value: The Australian study highlighted specifically that the requirement to report impairment to the regulator deterred people from disclosing distress at work, making it less likely that they would get help. The USA-based study was ground-breaking in documenting achievements of a substantial sample of mental health professionals with experience of mental distress. Potentially more professionals being “out and proud” might help increase recovery and social inclusion for service users more generally.
Do “complex needs” need “complex needs services”? – part one
- Author:
- JOHNSON Robin
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 17(3), 2013, pp.127-134.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose – This paper – the first of two – aims to trace the origins of, and suggest the underlying intentions behind, the recent appearance of the new term “complex needs”, amongst commissioners, service providers and some service user groups. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a narrative approach, describing the early appearance of the term “complex needs” in services for those excluded from and/or stigmatised in mental health services. This is then contextualised with UK Government policy papers. Findings – Contemporary usage of the term “complex needs” may at times be inconsistent and confusing; but it reflects government concerns that service provision has become too narrow in focus, and less needs-led. The concept embodies an implicit critique of overly narrow practice, and holds the prospect of more systemic change. Originality/value – “Complex needs” is relatively new, as a quasi-technical term; as is any analysis locating its usage in the context of current overly narrow service definitions. (Publisher abstract)