Stigma of Mental Illness to Ensure Compassionate †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Stigma of Mental Illness to Ensure Compassionate. Answer: Introduction Stigma is a shameful mark, characteristic or a discredit put on someone. People living with mental health problems are plagued with stigma and discrimination. In addition, they receive judgment from people and they report stigma as part of them, which is a major hindrance for them to live a normal life (Naomi et al., 2013). The media and the public attitude depict patients with mental health issues as violent, unpredictable, and dangerous, which enhances stigma. Some reports highlighting the negative lives of people with mental issues have been formulated thus encouraging the society to adopt this view and maximize on stigma towards patients with mental issues (Davey, 2013). According to Wake University (2016), eight million people in the United States of America suffer from mental illnesses. Unfortunately, approximately half of this population goes untreated. The underlying issue of stigma can be blamed for this outcome. Many societies have a culture of stigmatizing people with mental illnesses, and the habit is rampant in many places including hospitals. Many people reject this kind of people since it seems they have some kind of oddness(Wake Forest University, 2016). Healthcare systems and hospitals are also blind to mentally ill patients. Moreover, insurance companies provide few insurance coverage for them, which leads to a strange situation where they cannot access adequate treatment. In addition, they have reluctance that hinders them from being diagnosed because they fear being ostracized. It is evident that with such a trend, the society is losing patients who happen to be friends, coworkers, or relatives. Nevertheless, it is a treatable condition when handled with the diligence it deserves( Mental Health Foundation, 2017). Stigma makes mentally ill patients lose their self-esteem and energy to make friends or interact with people. The stigma is so pervasive at times to an extent that the patients never seek medical help (Highland Users Group, 2013). Healthcare professionals deal with mentally ill patients daily, they should be at the forefront in supporting them by courageously taking up the fight against stigmatization. They should guide the patients in realizing their ability to heal and appreciate their strengths despite the condition. In addition, they should discourage the inferiority directed towards them(Davey, 2013). Healthcare professionals should educate other patients and people on the importance of mentally ill patients. Furthermore, they should always share important information so that people can understand the issues they undergo by giving presentations, organizing workshops for mental health awareness, and writing literature that provides knowledge about mentally ill patients (Davey, 2013). Fighting the war on stigmatization is tough. Nonetheless, social stigma can be handled but the tougher war is for governments to adopt reforms against stigma so that patients can appreciate such support (Sarkar, 2014). Literature Review According to the Mayo Clinic (2017), stigma is a condition characterized by an individual who viewed in a negative way by other people in the society because they have a trait that is actually or thought to be a disadvantage. The negative perception portrayed to mentally ill patients is a common habit. Stigmatization leads to discrimination, which may be direct or unintentional, for instance, discriminating people because they are regarded as violent, unstable, or dangerous due to mental illness (par. 3). A study carried out by Zhiyong et al. (2017) on risk factors of stigma directed towards mental health patients among primary healthcare providers in China concluded that there was low incidence of contact between mental illness patients and primary healthcare providers. The contact had to be increased to reduce the stigma, this was to be facilitated by institutional medical educational needs and on job training. The attitude towards mentally ill patients among the primary healthcare providers has a major impact on the rehabilitation of patients and the quality of medical care offered to them (par. 5). The number of patients with mental illnesses has been increasing in many countries. The population of mental illness patients has increased to over 100 million people in China. Mental illness negatively affects the quality of life of a patient, and it has a huge impact of the familys financial burden. A link exists between improving the situation of a patient and the attitude of healthcare workers towards mentally ill patients. The attitude of healthcare workers has a direct role on the behavior of patients in seeking medical care, patients rehabilitation and quality of medical care. Furthermore, it affects the attitude of the public towards mental illness patients (Handerson et al., 2014). Work related variables have been demonstrated among healthcare workers and they are associated with stigma, such as the working environment and the level of income of healthcare providers. It is vital to assume that a satisfactory level of income for the health worker may affects their attitude towards mentally ill patients. In addition, the working environment and the outcome of treatment also affects the attitude of the health worker to the patient, in case the situation got better, the level of stigma by the medical staff decreased, but if the treatment was ineffective the stigma levels increased (Handerson et al., 2014). Studies have revealed that many people would develop a good understanding of mentally ill patients if the contact with them would be enhanced. Furthermore, it would lead to a decrease in the stigma levels. In contrast, people who have a little understanding of mentally ill patients through low communication have a negative attitude and therefore a higher incidence of stigma to them. Stigma is also reduced through a direct contact with a discriminated group, influence from the mass media and interaction with other groups (Corrigan Watson, 2012). Objectives of the research study. The objective of this research study is to examine stigma faced by patients mental health issues in acute care hospital wards. In addition, it explains the relationship between stigma faced by mentally ill patients and primary healthcare providers such as nurses and healthcare workers in psychiatric departments. The study also discusses the factors that influence attitudes of health workers to stigmatize mentally ill patients. Finally, the research study provides interventions for fighting the vice. The research study was a descriptive study, questionnaires were used on 119 nurses working in various acute hospital wards in Victoria State, Australia. The questionnaires measured the characteristics and levels of stigma in mentally ill people in three components: the emotional, cognitive and behavioral components. The questionnaires also examined the factors that encouraged nurses to stigmatize mentally ill patients. Data collected was analyzed using the SPSS statistical software to determine statistical significance, correlations between variables and analyze statistical data that provided results for the study. 72.5 percent of the nurses representing a majority group had a medium level of stigma towards mentally ill patients. 48.8 percent had an inclination towards social isolation of patients. 62 percent of the nurses had a positive emotional response towards the mentally ill patients, this is a majority number. The percentage of nurses with stereotypical views was 27.5 percent. Furthermore, the results of the research study showed that there was a significant correlation between the experience of living with a mentally ill patients and relationship of the nurses to mentally ill patients with discrimination and prejudice towards the patient. There was also a correlation between prejudice or discrimination and work performance in the ward. Finally, there was a correlation between the stereotypical views and educational degree or level of education of the nurses. The study proved that stigma exists among nurses who work in hospital wards for mentally ill patients. For instance, Ebrahimi et al (2014) in his study of stigma among nurses towards the mentally ill patients in wards of hospitals in Iran revealed an existence of stigmatization towards such patients among the nurses working in Tabriz, Ardabil and Urmia hospitals. This study contradicted a study by Chamber et al., which stated that nurses had positive attitudes towards mentally ill patients (par. 15). Various countries provide different results in reference to stigmatization, results from Portuguese nurses were positive while those from nurses in Lithuania was negative. The results are due to issues such as mental health services offered or facilities in hospitals. For instance, the number of beds and the ratio of a nurse to a patient affects clinical work of the nurse in providing healthcare services. In addition, these experiences finally affect the attitude of the nurses towards mentally ill patients in wards (Martensson et al., 2014). Results from this research study showed that 27.5% of the nurses had high stereotypes toward their patients, which can be supported by results from a study of Oguntade in which large number of nurses showed a tendency to apply restriction and discrimination towards mentally ill patients. This result was consistent with results from other research studies that have always been carried out. A research study of Omidrav conducted on citizens of Tehran revealed that there was also a tendency for distance to exist between the two parties. Social culture affects the attitude of nurses towards mentally ill patients and therefore stigma exists in lots of areas in peoples lives either at work or in school (Ebrahimi et al., 2012). Education has not been able to reduce attitudes towards stigma on a significant level, although education increases an individuals awareness about mental health issues. The research study showed that masters and bachelors degree holders had fewer incidences of stereotyping mentally ill persons unlike the licensed nurses. Nevertheless, dependence on education to create a positive view in those with a negative attitude is not enough. Furthermore, it showed that educational degrees do not have a significant difference in behavior and emotional components. In conclusion, education needs to be coupled with a direct or personal contact with patients in order to fight stigma in hospital (Ebrahimi et al., 2012). Recommendations Modification of educational programs regarding mental health in nursing schools would be a fundamental initiative in fighting stigmatization. Managers of hospitals need to provide knowledge to nurses through in service training and give healthcare providers direct information about reducing stereotypes towards the patients (Schwatz Center, 2015).The managers can also initiate support mechanisms in which mental health patients can be incorporated , successfully treated patients can have individual experiences with nurses. This will go a long way in reducing stigma and stereotype patterns (Ebrahimi et al., 2012). Moreover, the main course of action that can be undertaken to reduce stigma is to recognize actions and attitudes. Healthcare professionals need to undertake measures to stop any negative stereotypes directed to people with mental health problems. This issue can be addressed if patients, nurses and other healthcare professionals can be thoughtful of their words. Words spread stigma that is culminated in peoples minds and later converted into actions. Sensitive and accurate words should be used towards mentally ill patients. Moreover, any other avenue that enhances stigma should be silenced. In addition, campaigns should be enhanced especially in the media to fight stigma (Tawiah et al., 2015). Change can be felt on the horizon about the measures undertaken to curb stigmatization. Prominent people such as the former U.S president, Barrack Obama have taken up the initiative to support an end to stigmatization of mentally ill patients .Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness is tirelessly fighting to reverse the norm and make people appreciate and promote acceptance of people with mental illnesses. Furthermore, the organization also fights for better treatment of these patients without fear or shame (Kiima Jenkins, 2010). Conclusion The research study has revealed a correlation between the individual experiences of nurses and stigma faced by patients with mental issues in hospital wards. Various factors enable nurses or healthcare providers to stigmatize mentally ill patients. They include; hospital conditions, levels of education of nurses or healthcare providers, contact, and outcome of treatment. The research paper recommends various measures to be undertaken so that the stigma can be stamped out. They include modification of educational programs to include studies on stigma and educating nurses on the importance of fighting stigma within the wards. Nurses and health workers should also be at the forefront in fighting stigma. Finally, stigma faced by patients with mental issues needs to be stopped since it affects the patients negatively. References Mental Health Foundation. (2017, July). Stigma and dicrimination. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https;//www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stigma-and-discrimination Schwatz Center. (2013). Overcoming the stigma of mental illness to ensure compassionate care for patients. Massachusetts: Swachtz Center. Corrigan, P. Watson, A. (2012). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mentall illnesses. World Psychiatry Journal , 1 (1), 16- 2ss0. Davey, G. (2013). Mental Health and Stigma;Mental Health symptoms are still viewed as threatenung and uncomfortable. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://www.psychology.com/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma Ebrahimi, H., Namdar, H., Vahidi, M. (2012). Mental illnesses stigma among nurses in psychiatric wards of teaching hospitals in the north Western Iran. Iran Journal of Midwifery., 17 (7), 534 - 538. Highland Users Group. (2013). The Stigma of Mental Illnesses. Inverness: Highland Publishers. Handerson, C., Nobleh, J. Clement, S. (2014). Mental Health related stigma in healthcare and mental healthcare settings. 6 (46), pp. 467-482. Kiima, L. .Jenkins , P. (2012). Mental Health Policy in Kenya:an intergrated approach to scaling up equitable care for poor populations. International Journal of Mental Health Systems , 14 (2), 19. Martensson, G., Jacobson, J., Engstorm, M. (2014). Mental health nursing staff's attitude towards mentall illnesses, an analyses of related factors. Journal of Psychology and Mental Health Nursing. , 21 (9), 782-788. Mayo Clinic. (2017). Overcoming stigma of mentall illnesses. Retrieved September 23, 2017, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illnesses/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477 Naomi, S. Shevensky, Y., Baidini, A., Max, L. Tali, Z. (2013). Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Health in Israel: Stigma against people with Psychiatric illnesses and against Mental Care. Tehran: Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute Publishers. Tawiah, P., Adongo, P., Aikin, M. (2015). Mental Health .Related stigma and discrimination in Ghana ;Experience of patients and their caregivers. Ghana Medical Journal , 49 (1), 1-7. Wake Forest University. (2016). The issues of stigma in Mental Health. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://counselling.online.wfu.edu/resources/articles/the.issue-of-stigma-in-mental-health. Zhiyong, Q., Wang, Y., Xiaoxhiua, W., Weijun, Z. Liang, X. (2017). Risk factors of the stigma towards psychiatric patiemts among primary healthcare providers in China; A country study. Retrieved September 22, 2017, from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-121S-4 Sarkar, J. (2014). A New Mental Health Act for India; An ethics approach. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 46(2), 104 114.