ivanaSenior Contributor
Concerned about last nights ABC programme "Changing Minds-The Inside Story"
I watched the ABC's Changing Minds programme for the first time last night and while it was great-even a priveledge-to see the stories and personalities and bravery of the patients and their families at the same time ironically I found some of the programme highly concerning and which would very likely reinforce stigma/discrimation of people with Mental Illness as "being different" instead of "Changing Minds" which was the intent.
Concerning was:
*Use of terms that reinforce stigma and prejudice.For example the term "absconded" ,a prisoner type term to mean escaped,was used on this programme.This term is never used for patients with cancer or other physical issues who choose to leave hospitals.
*Showing a hospital environment of fear,intimidation,and aggressive treatment towards patients.
*Showing a patient in restraints,which have stated they find degrading,humiliating and an offence against dignity.
*An "us vs them mentaility" displayed by some hospital staff members with staff members putting on a facade/act to appear normal and different/distinguise from "the mental patients".
That then prevents them from accepting or telling their own mental ill health concerns because they are afraid/concerned they will be stigmatised by their collegues and the fact is,in reality the would be,due to the culture that has been created in hospitals.
*A hospital environment that was disempowering towards patients and displayed a huge staff > patient power imbalance with disregard for how the patients were feeling when they were being mistreated.
*Use of aggression and heavy handed tactics by police officers towards a woman with mental illness for a minor incident like leaving to have a cigarette.
*The appearance that there is no process to stop the sectioning under the Mental Health Act from being abused.
Working in a Psychiatric ward in public hospitals is not without challenge but none of the above actions are justifiable and so many of these issues could be mitigated without money/additional funds simply by retraining police and staff in gentleness and communication skills and breaking down deeply ingrained counterproductive,and frankly abusive,cultures.
On the show there appeared a lack of care or understanding that people with mental illnesses are sometimes leaving hospitals with more mental illness instead of less as they feel their hospital experience has left them with PTSD,feelings of distrust,self loathing,shame etc.
It can also impact their ability to trust,which is important for mental health.
There also clearly was a lack of insight or acknowledgement that there can be great issues on the part of clinicians-both personality issues and communication issues-that are impacting the way patients are being treated and the current failures of our mental health system.
I was glad to at least see some of the staff/clinicans were respectful and kind.
It is disappointing though to see that Mental As has generally involved little or nothing promoting the dignified treatment of people with MentalI Illness.
Instead it has purely focused on mental illness awareness.
Your thoughts?
