Survey Finds Mentally Ill People Face Stigma

A new survey by charity Rethink has found that at least nine of ten mentally ill people in England face stigma. More often than not the source of this stigma are people closest to them.

The survey involved more than 3,000 people and asked them how their condition affected their day to day lives. The survey found that some mentally ill people stopped from applying to jobs, making new friends, or going out to pubs and shops.

About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms of thought, behavior and social problems.

"Our research clearly shows that stigma and discrimination are ruining people's lives," said Paul Corry, from the charity Rethink. "People with mental health problems have enough on their plates without facing additional pressure caused by other people's archaic and bigoted opinions."

Some people also said they could not report crimes as it was accepted police would not take them seriously.

A spokesman for the Department of Health revealed that there were some plans to reduce discrimination. "We are working with employers - identified as a top target audience by Rethink's survey - to improve how they handle mental health problems in the workplace."

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