2 Challenge stigmatised beliefs within the learning community
Stigmatised beliefs can arise from a variety of factors. They may develop from a difference in cultural experiences and expectations, or from a lack of understanding or education about mental ill-health, or even from a misguided ‘fear’ about what mental illness entails. Such views may also be exacerbated by sensationalised media reporting which can reduce complex mental illnesses to simplistic ‘soundbites’ or may inappropriately highlight mental illness in stories focusing on crime or violence.
In educational settings, where open discussion takes place, you may encounter stigmatised comments made by either learners or colleagues. Later in this week’s content you will look at how learning materials may be used to challenge some of this stigma, and to avoid reinforcing it, but first the focus will be on day-to-day conversations.
Activity 2 Personal experience of stigma
- Watch the following video of James talking about his experiences of stigma, and how he has taken some steps to challenge this.
Please note, this video involves an individual talking about his experiences of mental health stigma. Sometimes hearing other people’s accounts of their experiences of stigma and mental health can stimulate personal memories or feelings that may be upsetting. If you think this may be the case for you, skip to the next section.
James’s experience of challenging attitudes [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
- After listening to James’s comments take a look back at your list from Activity 1 to see if you have noted anything similar to the language and behaviours that he describes.
Discussion
James describes how derogatory language such as ‘crazy’, ‘nutter’ and ‘lunatic’ is deeply stigmatising and how a confident exterior may hide internal anxiety linked to poor mental health.