This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Breaking the mental health taboo
07/01/2005
Scots are becoming more understanding and tolerant of mental health problems and of people who suffer from them, according to research released today.
The second national survey of public attitudes to mental health reveals a widespread acceptance (98 per cent) that anyone can suffer from mental health problems, and a belief amongst nine in ten Scots (88 per cent) that people with mental health problems should have the same rights as anyone else.
Deputy Health Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"Although it is too early to say whether these figures constitute a permanent trend, it is extremely encouraging to see that attitudes in Scotland towards mental health are changing for the better.
"By talking openly about mental health, people are more likely to seek help early, which in turn helps by improving their chances of a quicker recovery.
"By encouraging discussion of mental health, we can increase understanding which, in turn promotes tolerance. Much work has been done over the last two years to improve mental health and wellbeing and in particular to address the stigma which can be associated with mental health problems.
"But we are not complacent and will continue to break down the barriers that mental health problems can bring. The most important thing is that attitudes are moving in the right direction and we will strive to build on this."
The survey, carried out by MORI Scotland, found that significantly fewer Scots than in 2002 believe that people with mental health problems are often dangerous (down from 32 per cent in 2002 to 15 per cent in 2004).
The number of people who feel that the public should be better protected from those with mental health problems has also declined by ten percent (from 34 per cent in 2002 to 24 per cent).
As tolerance towards mental health issues rises, there is also a better understanding of the many factors that can affect both our general health and our mental health and well-being.
Nearly half of all respondents (49 per cent) acknowledged the positive effect of supportive relationships with their nearest and dearest on their mental health and well-being.
Other positive factors included a social life (29 per cent), exercise (17 per cent) and a good income (17 per cent). The same amount (17 per cent) also recognised the harmful effects of a low income, followed by physical illness (also 17 per cent), relationship problems (14 per cent) and family problems (13 per cent). Work was identified as having both a positive and negative effect on mental health and well-being.
A quarter (26 per cent) of respondents said they had personally experienced such a problem, and almost three in five (62 per cent) knew someone who had been diagnosed with a mental health problem at some stage in their life.
Women, and especially those aged 35-54 years, were amongst the most likely to have said they had experienced a problem, as were adults who found it difficult to manage on their income, or who rated their general health as poor.
The survey was conducted face-to-face in respondents' homes between May 24 and August 12, 2004. The sample size was 1,401.
The National Programme for Improving Mental Health exists to support work that will help improve mental health and well-being for everyone living in Scotland and improve the quality of life and social inclusion for people who experience mental health problems.
The programme's four main aims are to:
- raise public awareness of mental health and mental illness and promote positive mental health and emotional well-being
- eliminate the stigma of mental ill-health and the discrimination that people with mental health problems can encounter
- prevent suicide and help cope with the aftermath of suicide
- promote and support people's recovery from mental illness
There are six priority areas for action:
- improving infant mental health (the early years)
- improving mental health of children and young people
- improving mental health and wellbeing in employment and working life
- improving mental health and wellbeing in later life
- improving community mental health and wellbeing
- improving the ability of public services to act in support of the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental illness