News release, 9 May 2008
In response to the publication by the Department of Health of the Attitudes to Mental Illness 2008 Research Report, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“Improving public attitudes to mental health will take time, but if you’re suffering from the effects of stigma today then that’s time you don’t have."
If we are serious about improving the lives of people with mental health problems we need to start using current anti-discrimination legislation properly. Discriminatory behaviour around mental illness is widespread and needs to be dealt with robustly according to the law.”
This is the missing piece of the anti-stigma jigsaw that would allow people with mental health problems into the workplace, and – crucially - into contact with the rest of the population.”
Time and again, research shows the most effective way to challenge someone’s beliefs about mental illness is for them to come into contact with a person who’s suffered mental health problems themselves.”
If you tackle discriminatory behaviour properly, using the law, then public attitudes will follow in time. This is what happened with race and sex discrimination and it should happen with mental illness and disabilities as well.”
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact the press office team on 020 7803 1130/28/26.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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