2009: A new year for acceptance and support?
MEDIA RELEASE
31 December 2008
2009 sees New Zealand being more empowered to support people experiencing mental illness, according to the results of a new survey.
The research, conducted periodically on behalf of the Ministry of Health's Like Minds, Like Mine programme by Phoenix Research, has tracked changes in New Zealanders' attitudes to mental illness since 1997.
Significant improvements have been made over the last decade, but the Mental Health Foundation is particularly pleased to note that 71% of people in the latest survey reported that they knew how they could be supportive of someone experiencing mental illness, an increase of 10% over the last survey in 2007.
"The Like Minds campaign is focused on reminding New Zealanders that what you do makes the difference," says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. "One third of people in the survey noted positive changes in their behaviour toward people experiencing mental illness over the last five years."
Progress is also being made in busting some of the long-held and damaging myths about mental illness. 4% less people in the current Like Minds survey held the belief that once someone gets a mental illness they are always unwell.
"Everyone's experience of mental illness is unique," Judi Clements continues. "Many people on the recovery journey are able to live well - raising families, holding down jobs, and participating fully in society despite the obstacles they face."
The survey also showed improved attitudes toward people with experience of schizophrenia, one of the most stigmatised and stereotyped mental illnesses. The percentage of people who would accept someone with experience of schizophrenia as a babysitter for their child increased significantly from 15 to 21%.
"It's really great to see the message of acceptance, equality and non-discrimination sinking in at every level," Judi Clements says. "People with experience of schizophrenia often bear the greatest burden of negative stereotypes about mental illness, and we hope that much further progress can be made in this area."
Other improvements in attitudes since 1997 include:
- "If I got a mental illness I think some of my friends would reject me" (disagree - improved 23%)
- "I would feel uncomfortable talking to someone with a mental illness" (disagree - improved 16%)
- "People who have a mental illness are more likely than other people to be dangerous" (disagree - improved 14%)
- "If I got a mental illness, I would feel ashamed" (disagree - improved 13%)
Media inquiries
Paula Taylor
Communications & Marketing Manager
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
09 300 7025 or 021 300 594
