Mental Health Foundation sheds light on discrimination in NZ
MEDIA RELEASE
June 16, 2009
In every town there's a story similar to Reverend Imoa Setefano's.
Imoa has been diagnosed with a mental illness, which he first experienced when he was in high school. A later experience of mental illness almost led to him being prevented from re-entering his theological studies.
"At the time I thought it was really unfair because we had been given the all clear by the psychiatrist that I was well enough to attend. Also I thought that it being the 21st century and being a theological college... there should have been more awareness and more discussion and dialogue around how to perceive my illness, and integrating that knowledge as part of the ministry."
Imoa is far from alone in his experience of unfair treatment. A recent Like Minds, Like Mine online poll on discrimination showed that 80 percent of respondents had experienced some form of discrimination, as a result of disclosing their mental illness.
The Mental Health Foundation has begun highlighting people's stories of discrimination to address a misconception that discrimination on the basis of mental illness doesn't happen anymore.
"The Like Minds programme has achieved a lot over the last 10 years," says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. "We know that New Zealanders are more aware and accepting of mental illness; but discrimination and unfair treatment is still an issue."
"It doesn't matter at what stage of the journey towards wellness you're on, once you disclose you have, or have had a mental illness, people's perceptions of you often change."
Discrimination can take many forms including personal discrimination in the area of insurance, housing, immigration, employment, child custody arrangements as well as in social situations. Friends and family are also often cited as being the first to discriminate when a person experiences mental illness.
"With our It's About Fairness profiles we are asking New Zealanders to consider the effects of their actions, reassess their views and help promote fair treatment for people with experience of mental illness," Ms Clements says .
Rev. Imoa Setefano's story can be viewed as a YouTube clip, or viewed on the Like Minds website along with other stories of personal discrimination and further information on It's About Fairness.
Imoa says that it is possible to recover from mental illness and move forward in life despite unfair treatment through discrimination:
"My family has been my rock of recovery: not only my wife but my children, my parents and in-laws, all my family."
About Like Minds
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is contracted by the Ministry of Health to manage communication and media activities for the National Like Minds, Like Mine programme which aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
Media enquiries to:
Carrie Briffett
Communications Officer
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
DDI: 09 966 5725
Mobile: 021 918 220
