Melbourne University and SANE Australia are hosting a panel of experts in Mooroopna next week to explore the latest in mental health stigma research and interventions.
In doing so they will discuss the stigma surrounding mental health issues, how this is experienced in regional and rural areas of Australia, and what is and can be done to address the problem.
The talk coincides with R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 12. Guest speakers will include:
Shepparton Ethnic Council community development officer Abdullah Naveed, SANE Australia deputy chief executive Dr Michelle Blanchard, Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman, Dardi Munwurro Strong Spirit Men’s Behaviour and Healing Program, former AFL player and media commentator Alan Thorpe, Mental Illness Stigma Lab at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences director Dr Christopher Groot.
“Stigma is a key problem for Australians living with mental health issues,” Dr Groot said.
“We know that people living with mental illness experience discrimination across numerous areas of life. It’s also well established that people are often reluctant to seek help for personal signs of mental illness because of stigma.
“That’s just scratching the surface though — the experience of mental illness stigma and the issues contributing are complex and intersect with things like our age, culture, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity and what part of Australia we live in.
“We are delighted that this event will take place on R U OK? Day.
“I think the core aim of the event — opening up discourse about mental illness stigma — builds meaningfully on the central R U OK? Day message — the idea that by talking openly we can better look after each other.”
The free event is on Thursday, September 12 at 5.30pm at Westside Performing Arts Centre, Mooroopna.
Event Details:
While most of us agree that there should be no distinction in how we react to a broken arm and how we respond to people experiencing mental health issues, one of these conditions provokes instant sympathy, whilst the other can elicit judgement and fear.
The impact that stigma has on the lives of people with lived experience of mental illness is complex, and it can lead to exclusion, discrimination, poor social support, poorer subjective quality of life, and low self-esteem. Stigma discourages people from seeking help, and it can have a significant effect on treatment outcomes.
This is made even more difficult as each of our personal perceptions of mental health is influenced by where we come from, the values that we grow up with and our ‘place’ in society. So, what can we do as a vastly diverse community to address some of the problems that our mental health system struggles with?
Join our experts and consumers as we explore the latest in stigma research and interventions and how we can translate this research into real outcomes for our society.
Source: Courtesy Shepp News. (part)
