Mental health charities across the UK are urging Lanarkshire residents to take action in addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Members of the UK Anti-Stigma Alliance, including See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland, and Time to Change Wales, are rallying local communities to challenge the shame that continues to affect those living with mental health conditions.
The call for support comes as part of the If It’s Okay campaign, which was launched in 2024 to address the stigma and negative perceptions associated with mental illness. Created in collaboration with charity volunteers and anti-stigma advocates from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the campaign highlights the damaging effects of negative language and behaviors on individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
According to a poll conducted at the launch of the campaign, nearly 36% of people across the UK (28% in Scotland) expressed reluctance to trust someone with mental health experience to care for their children, while 17% (15% in Scotland) stated they would avoid a relationship with someone who has a mental illness. The survey also revealed that 51% of people in the UK (60% in Scotland) believe there remains a significant amount of shame attached to mental illness.
Further fueling this stigma, many individuals across the UK continue to use disparaging language when discussing mental health. For example, 20% of respondents said they believed it was acceptable to call someone “crazy,” while 22% felt it was fine to describe someone as “totally OCD.” These terms are seen as harmful by mental health advocates, who argue they contribute to the ongoing marginalization of those struggling with mental health conditions.
Denise McLaren, a volunteer for See Me, shared her personal experience of stigma: “Just because someone has a mental health issue does not mean they’re not capable of looking after children,” McLaren stated. “I look after my friends’ children, and they all know about my mental health struggles. People need to understand that experiencing mental health difficulties doesn’t negate one’s personhood.”
McLaren recalled an encounter at a swimming pool in Stirling where she overheard people making derogatory comments about her, despite not knowing that the child she was with was not her own. “They said I shouldn’t be around children or allowed in the pool because of my scars,” she explained. “If they had been open to a conversation, I would have welcomed the opportunity to educate them and help reduce the stigma.”
The If It’s Okay campaign has already made a positive impact. A survey of 209 participants in the UK revealed that 88% of respondents reported a better understanding of the harm caused by shame, with many reflecting on the impact of their words and actions when discussing mental illness.
See Me Director Wendy Halliday emphasized the significance of reducing stigma for those with severe mental health conditions. “Shame can be a major barrier for individuals seeking help, making it harder for them to speak up or be honest with loved ones,” she said. “We want to create a society where everyone feels comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.”
The UK Anti-Stigma Alliance is encouraging Lanarkshire residents to reflect on their language and behavior towards those with mental health challenges. “What may seem like a harmless comment or joke to one person can be devastating to someone living with mental illness,” Halliday warned.
For more information on how to help combat mental health stigma, visit the See Me website and learn how you can contribute to creating a more supportive and understanding community.
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