Don’t Bully Us! How to Better Assist People with Mental Health Challenges
By Stephen Wilson, one of our reporters abroad
StreetSense was very fortunate to interview Mary Hamilton {not her real name}. She is a teacher from Scotland who has had long struggles with mental health problems. She wishes to dispel many misleading negative stereotypes which the public hold of mental health and raise improved awareness. {For example, the vast amount of research indicates that the majority of people with mental health problems are not dangerous or violent. Unfortunately many people go on believing the false stereotype that all schizophrenic patients represent a dangerous and violent threat.} This understanding is crucial because in many cultures around the world this topic is poorly understood. Persons with mental illness are often avoided by people who feel embarrassed and awkward about talking about the subject—never mind taking action.
At worse, some people can shun, mock and attack people afflicted with such problems. When we witness the conspicuous presence of so many people with mentally health problems among the homeless it is clear that the statutory authorities in many countries can be completely indifferent. Hospitals often say they don't have the resources or the specialists to deal with those problems. The concept of 'care in the community' including associates in the hospital or clinic waiting to assist discharged patients from hospitals with outstretched harms is largely lacking. Yes, they raise their hands but with a 'Nothing to be done about it' response.
This is a very complex subject. For instance, controversy arises around a patient's religious beliefs as to whether their beliefs actually reflect and encourage delusions and hallucinations or in many cases help contain relapses by inspiring a sense of community and support which helps their recovery. This is a very delicate matter. I recall when I was a student at university and doing a psychology exam I came across a question which asked students 'Did Jesus Christ suffer from Schizophrenia?' All the students avoided this question as it was too provocative and difficult to answer. But it serves as an example of how some psychologists might view any person who suffered from mental health problems and held religious beliefs.
Anyone who is interested in this controversy might consult chapter one of a work 'Spirituality in Psychiatry' by Andrew Sims and Christopher C.H.C Cook {published by R.C.P. Psych Publications}. Mary Hamilton emphasizes how we should be very sensitive as well as non-judgmental on this question.
(The following is based on a StreetSense interview with a Mary Hamilton)
StreetSense
What are the main mistakes psychiatrists, nurses and the public make when communicating with patients who suffer from schizophrenia, biopolar depression, and other forms of mental illness?
Mary Hamilton
Everyone at the club {a special support club which aids people with mental health problems} started telling me these people don't listen! But as you know psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses are in short supply. The time they spend with patients is limited. They are overworked and underpaid. When I suggested that we could do with more advocacy workers and there is only so much a psychiatrist can do and they can't live your life for you, then everyone got really angry. In my experience I have always had good psychiatrists and nurses. Perhaps one or two of them did not seem totally compassionate but perhaps I thought this since I was very sensitive at the time. They should be compassionate, non-judgmental, and more caring. There should be more family therapy, patients should be allowed to have their own spirituality and the psychiatrists and nurses should be better educated on other cultures. The public should be better educated and kinder but this would probably involve a whole re-education of mankind!
StreetSense
And how do the public usually perceive people with mental health problems?
Mary Hamilton
The public largely believe the mentally ill are dangerous and violent. I also think it should be clear what we should expect from our psychiatrists. It can take years to get a proper diagnosis but this might not be the psychiatrist's fault--but rather how the illness presents itself. Psychiatrists are in a very difficult position because they have to deal with many addictions as well as psychiatric illness. The general public should keep calm and do not threaten us. Do not bully and taunt us! Reassure us, love us and be compassionate. We need more realistic care plans, and better and more support workers and carers.
StreetSense
What is your opinion about 'Care in the Community'?
Mary Hamilton
When psychiatric institutions, asylums and large residential hospitals in the U.K. were shut in the 1980's, the name 'Care in the Community ' was born. Makes you wonder what exactly this 'community ' is? There has to be a place for people to go for a start. The outside world is a scary place. We need better care and support. More recovery and peer support groups are needed. We really need more supported living. This is essential!
StreetSense
So what can we do to better help people with mental health problems?
Mary Hamilton
The general public can be cruel, and it is very hard for them to understand as they have not 'been there.' I think the worst thing is to see a mentally ill person being bullied and ridiculed. People are cruel; and films and T.V. don't help in the way they portray mentally ill people. We need more education in schools. Government campaigns for 'mental health' are a start. I think things and attitudes are improving in the United Kingdom. We need to attract more medical students and more psychiatric nurses. The general public should support mental health charities and find out as much as they can about mental illness. It can affect anyone!
StreetSense
What do you think about *alternative medicine therapies being proposed in regard to the treatment of schizophrenia and depression? {*e.g., herbs and plants, etc.}
Mary Hamilton
Personally I have faith in Western medicine. Alternative medicine is largely not regulated and such alternative medications can interact with prescribed psychiatric medications. Words like herbal, natural, and alternative are just a marketing ploy, if you ask me!
However, I am a big fan of complimentary therapies such as relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, Tai chi, gardening and singing. I am totally against recreational drugs and alcohol. These drugs and drink do not help anyone and just make the psychiatrist's job more difficult.
StreetSense
I know you go to a club which helps people with mental health problems. They provide many education courses, and services as well as broader sense of community. What skills might you learn there?
Mary Hamilton
Sarah {Not her real name} taught us all some 'B.S.L' -- British Sign Language. We learned the alphabet and some basic words and phrases. It was brilliant. Totally loved it! I think 'B.S.L. is something we should all learn at school. It is a good skill to have to help others.