Results from a recent online survey show that people in Leeds are supportive of people with mental health problems.

The online survey, designed by NHS Leeds and Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust as part of the national Time to Change campaign, captured the views of nearly 700 people from across Leeds. It found that the large majority of respondents did not believe in many of the myths surrounding mental ill-health.

Of the 695 responses only 2% believed the myth that you cannot work after you have experienced a mental health problem. Other key findings are:
• only 4% of respondents thought mental health problems are rare;
• 85% of those surveyed felt that people who have experienced mental health problems can recover completely; and
• 84% of those surveyed believed that you can be open about mental health problems without fearing you’ll be treated differently.

In addition to de-bunking some of the common myths, survey respondents also showed an open attitude towards people with mental health problems. A large majority agreed that someone with a history of mental health problems should not be excluded from taking public office such as becoming a school governor.

Other key points from the finding include an agreement that the media’s portrayal of people with mental health problems tends to be unfair and leads to stigma. A large proportion of those participating in the survey also believed that their employers would support them should they experience any mental health problems.

Charlotte Hanson, Health Improvement Specialist (Emotional Health and Wellbeing) for NHS Leeds, says “Our survey has been a real eye-opener for us as we expected the results to be less clear cut. It is really encouraging to see that many people in Leeds are able to separate the myths around mental health from the real facts. We will continue to work hard to promote the Time to Change campaign in Leeds as well as publicising other initiatives designed to de-stigmatise mental health problems.

“Although we are pleased with the results we are also aware that a national survey, conducted as part of the Time to Change campaign, shows that almost nine out of ten people with mental health problems reported back on the negative impact of stigma and discrimination has on their lives. So we must ensure that we continue to challenge stigma, discrimination and the myths around mental ill-health.”

One survey respondent wrote: “People with Mental Health problems are regarded suspiciously which is not fair, they cannot help getting ill like this, a lot of it stems from society and the way people are treated. It is time to change opinions and give people with mental health problems a chance.”

‘Time to Change’ is England’s biggest and most ambitious campaign to end mental health discrimination. Time to Change aims to improve public attitudes and encourages people to speak openly about mental health problems.

For further information on the campaign visit: www.stopstigma-leeds.com. If you would like to get involved in the campaign you can email your interest to: timetochangeleeds@nhs.net.

Notes

Time to Change in Leeds
Time to Change in Leeds was launched on Thursday 25 June 2009. As part of the national Time to Change campaign the launch event challenged people to end discrimination and stamp out stigma.

Organisations that are currently involved in the project are NHS Leeds, Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Mind, Information for Mental Health, Volition, Community Links, Together, Leeds City Council and many more.