KEY POINTS:
More New Zealanders feel they could be supportive of someone with a mental illness, according to research issued yesterday.
The research, conducted periodically on behalf of the Ministry of Health's Like Minds, Like Mine programme by Phoenix Research, has tracked changes in New Zealanders' attitudes to mental illness since 1997.
Significant improvements had been made over the past decade, but the Mental Health Foundation was particularly pleased that 71 per cent of people in the latest survey reported that they knew how they could be supportive of someone experiencing mental illness, an increase of 10 per cent over the last survey in 2007.
"The Like Minds campaign is focused on reminding New Zealanders that what you do makes the difference," said Judi Clements, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation.
"One third of people in the survey noted positive changes in their behaviour toward people experiencing mental illness over the last five years."
Progress was also being made in busting some of the long-held and damaging myths about mental illness.
Now 4 per cent fewer people in the current Like Minds survey held the belief that once someone gots a mental illness they were always unwell.
"Everyone's experience of mental illness is unique," Ms Clements said.
"Many people on the recovery journey are able to live well - raising families, holding down jobs, and participating fully in society despite the obstacles they face."
The survey also showed improved attitudes toward people with experience of schizophrenia, one of the most stigmatised and stereotyped mental illnesses. The percentage of people who would accept someone with experience of schizophrenia as a babysitter for their child increased significantly from 15 to 21 per cent.
"It's really great to see the message of acceptance, equality and non-discrimination sinking in at every level," Ms Clements said.
"People with experience of schizophrenia often bear the greatest burden of negative stereotypes about mental illness, and we hope that much further progress can be made in this area."
- NZPA
