Stigmatised, Disenfranchised and Ignored?

Although our society has made great strides towards becoming more tolerant and accepting, many people still experience stigma and discrimination on a daily basis.  Stigmatised attitudes towards those with mental illnesses are slowly reducing in strength, but we are a long way from being able to say that we do not discriminate against those with mental illnesses.  Interestingly, the stigma effecting those living with mental illnesses appears to spread to their family members and friends (Van der Sanden, Bos, Pryor, Reeder, and Stutterheim, 2013).  This is called stigma by association.  The psychological effects of experiencing stigma by association include reduced self-esteem, feelings of fear, shame, blame, rejection, abandonment and contamination (Larson & Corrigan, 2008; Corrigan, Miller & Watson, 2006; Van Der Sanden et al. 2013).  

   

The consequences of stigma by association are devastating and can be as life changing as having a mental illness in the first instance (Stuart, 2005).  If the family member with a mental illness cohabitates with the person experiencing stigma by association the stigma increases and they are likely to experience higher levels of discrimination, avoidance and ridicule (Van der Sanden et al, 2013).  Family and friends of people with mental illnesses need increased community support, not to be avoided or treated poorly.

What can we do about stigma by association?  Unfortunately, like all complicated social issues, there is no quick fix.  Studies completed by Larson & Corrigan (2013) and Sadow, Rider & Webster (2002) have concluded that individuals who have regular contact with people with mental illnesses in a variety of situations are less likely to hold stigmatised attitudes towards both those with mental illnesses and those associated to the person with the mental illness.  Observing people with mental illnesses competently holding roles in the community such as maintaining employment, competing in sports or using their creativity in a public arena reduce the likelihood of and degree to which stigmatised attitudes are held towards them (Sadow, Rider & Webster, 2002 and Stuart, 2005).   Creating a relationship with those who have mental illnesses in an equal footed arena appears to immediately reduce stigma (Larson & Corrigan).  Unfortunately, these relationships are difficult to manufacture.

What can you do to help those experiencing stigma by association?
Remember – mental illnesses are not contagious, or anyone’s fault.  Offer support and compassion to those with mental illnesses and to their family members.  Avoid or exit conversations which are bordering on discrimination and stigmatisation.  Be brave.  Be accepting, tolerant and supportive.  You could completely change someone’s life today, by looking past the stigma and being a decent human being. 

References

Bos, A. E., Pryor, J. B., Reeder, G. D., & Stutterheim, S. E. (2013). Stigma: Advances in
            theory and research. Basic and Applied Social Psychology,35(1), 1-9.

Corrigan, P. W., Watson, A. C., & Miller, F. E. (2006). Blame, shame, and contamination:
            the impact of mental illness and drug dependence stigma on family members. Journal
            of Family Psychology, 20(2), 239.

Larson, J. E., & Corrigan, P. (2008). The stigma of families with mental illness. Academic
            Psychiatry, 32(2), 87-91.

Sadow, D., Ryder, M., & Webster, D. (2002). Is education of health professionals
            encouraging stigma towards the mentally ill?. Journal of Mental Health, 11(6), 657-
            665.

Sanden, R. L., Bos, A. E., Stutterheim, S. E., Pryor, J. B., & Kok, G. (2015). Stigma by
            Association     Among Family Members of People with a Mental Illness: A
            Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 25(5),
            400-417.

Stuart, H. (2005). Fighting stigma and discrimination is fighting for mental health. Canadian
            Public Policy, 31(s1), 21-28.