Home life tough for mentally ill

Anne Ho, who suffers from a bipolar disorder, initially kept her condition secret. Picture / Brett Phibbs

People with mental illness face the most discrimination from their family and friends, a national survey has found.

The survey, released by the Mental Health Foundation, represents the voices of 785 New Zealanders who have mental illness and is the first to ask about their experience of discrimination.

Those interviewed reported discrimination not only from those closest to them but also from people in the workplace, at social clubs, banks and government organisations.

Titled "Respect Costs Nothing", the survey found 59 per cent of those surveyed experienced rejection by family and friends, which included abusive language - being called "psycho" and "nutter" - being left out of activities or cut off completely.

Almost half those surveyed said they had not done something, such as join a social club or apply for courses, because they worried about discrimination.

Aucklander Anne Ho, who was not interviewed for the survey, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 13 years ago. She said that at first she did not want to tell people as she worried they would not want to be her friend or would think she was dangerous.

"If you understand Chinese people, having mental illness brought shame to the family. I did feel a bit shameful ... There were friends who talked behind my back, calling me this 'crazy woman'."

Once a lecturer labelled her mentally ill in front of her classmates. She left the lecture and later got an apology.

Tui Taurua, who also didn't take part in the survey, has had no contact with her whanau, who who worried they would "catch" bipolar disorder from her.

She has also experienced discrimination at work. The mental health advocate was given a lesser job when she returned to work after a period of illness.

"They see my label before they see my skills ... I continually have to try and prove myself."

The survey found 34 per cent of those interviewed had been discriminated against while looking for a job and 31 per cent had been discriminated against at work.

Others reported losing custody of, or access to, their children.

Some found it difficult to get insurance and if they did there were often special conditions or higher premiums.

Others reported problems getting a mortgage.

Dr Debbie Peterson, senior policy analyst at the Mental Health Foundation and report author, was initially surprised that those surveyed reported the most discrimination from friends and family but said it made sense as everyone had contact with those groups.

Often comments were made "in jest" and people did not realise how hurtful they could be.

Dr Peterson said many of those surveyed reported friends and family were the most supportive.

"People don't treat people badly on purpose a lot of the time.

"When they realise how hurtful it can be, hopefully they will start looking at their own attitudes and behaviour."