[MMHA-E-Bulletin] MMHA Synergy Magazine Edition 1 2006

[Multicultural Mental Health Australia]

Welcome to the Multicultural Mental Health Australia March 2006 Synergy
Magazine E-Bulletin.
For contributions: info at mmha.org.au

SPECIAL EDITION - SYNERGY No.1 2006: Reducing Stigma

Stigma has been described as a label, mark or myth that distinguishes
people in the community with a mental illness, with many associated
negative attitudes, feelings and behaviours that are felt by members of
the community toward those with a mental illness (including those with a
mental illness). Often the stigma is extended to carers, helpers, friends
and relatives of those with a mental illness. (Rooney 2005)
Stigma surrounding mental illness is currently a major obstacle for 
mental health care and prevention of illness for those from CALDbackgrounds. Explanatory models, incorporating beliefs about the causes 
and treatment of mental health, varying widely according to cultural  and
linguistic background (Kleinman, 1998). Reality Check (MMHA 2004), a
popular resource based on findings from a series of nationalconsultations with CALD mental health consumers, pointed to stigma and a
lack of knowledge of services, due to inaccessible information, as a  key
barrier to services and support.
Recovery for mental health consumers is a unique process, but one of  the
largest obstacles to recovery that mental health consumers face is 
stigma. Through open dialogue in the community and education about  mental
illness, the more we can break the stereotypes and negativity  that are
associated with mental illness, and begin to support and aid  the recovery
process for people affected by a mental illness.
The aim of this edition is to explore the concept of stigma and why it is
such a burden to people affected by a mental illness and more so for
people from a CALD background.  We believe that this is one of the best
editions of Synergy yet and we hope  it contributes to a greater          
 understanding of mental illness in CALD communities and brings us a step
closer to reducing stigma.

We hope you find the Reducing Stigma Edition informative.
Please click below to link you to the MMHA website:

http://www.mmha.org.au


Or
http://www.mmha.org.au/MMHAPublications/Synergy/2006No1/Synergy_2006No1.pdf/view
 to go straight to the latest edition.

If you receive Synergy in hardcopy, look out for your edition soon!


Editorial Team
Synergy: MMHA’s magazine

References
Dr Rosie Rooney, Explanatory models of mental health and reducing  stigma
among people from CALD backgrounds: Towards a model ofculturally sensitive mental health care, Synergy Edition 3 2005 Pg 17.

Kleinmean, A., Eisenberg, L., & Goode, B. (1978). Culture, illness and 
care: Clinical lessons from Anthropologic and Cross-cultural Reserach.
Ann. Intern. Med. 88, 251-258