Reduction in mental health discrimination

Findings from a new study led by King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) show improvements in behaviour towards people with mental health problems in England, during the first year of the national anti-stigma programme, Time to Change.

The research, published in Psychiatric Services, shows a four per cent increase in the number of people reporting no mental health discrimination, and a 20 per cent reduction in the levels of discrimination across 22 identified life areas, including employment, relationships, medical health, education and safety amongst others.  This is the first time that a national mental health anti-stigma programme has been evaluated against targets to reduce discrimination.

Dr Claire Henderson and Professor Graham Thornicroft from the Health Services and Population Research (HSPR) Department at the IoP at King’s led the research. 

Dr Henderson says: ‘These are very promising early findings and suggest less discrimination in several important aspects of the people’s everyday lives, such as their relationships with friends and family, socialising and employment. People with mental health problems are often unfairly treated and we now want to see whether these improvements are sustained in the long-term, and whether we can identify any improvements in other areas of people’s lives.’

The research was undertaken between 2008 and 2009. People aged between 18 to 65 years using mental health services were selected at random from National Health Service records to take part. In addition to the overall four per cent reduction in discrimination, there was a seven per cent reduction in the amount of people who said they experienced discrimination from their families. When looking at discrimination from friends, this improved by 14 per cent after the year and discrimination when finding employment dropped by eight per cent. Finally discrimination experienced during employment reduced by four per cent4.

While a positive result was found within some audiences and groups, experiences of discrimination from health professionals in mental health and primary care services didn’t change significantly. 

Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, says: ‘It is tragic that nine out of ten people with mental health problems in England report discrimination. Stigma and discrimination are life limiting for millions of people and, for some, life threatening experiences.

‘However these encouraging early findings, from the first year of the Time to Change programme, show that by working together we can start to improve the way people think and behave. Tens of thousands of people with mental health problems have spoken out to tackle stigma and improve understanding, and hundreds of organisations have done their bit. We still have a great deal of work to do before people with mental health problems can lead lives free from discrimination, and be full and active citizens able to contribute their talents to society.’

The study was a key part of the evaluation of the first year of the Time to Change programme, run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. During this time the programme was funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief. As part of its first year, Time to Change delivered a series of national and local projects including a social marketing campaign, resources for employers and employees, and a series of community activities across England. Time to Change is now in its second phase and is funded by the Department of Health and Comic Relief.

For full paper: Henderson, C. et al. ‘England’s Time to Change Antistigma Campaign: One-Year Outcomes of Service User-rated Experiences of Discrimination’ Psychiatric Services (1st May 2012)