THE ROLES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN REDUCING STIGMATISATION IN MENTAL ILLNESS

Abstract

Mental illness is a sickness of the mind that affects the mood, thought processes and behaviour of an individual. In most cases, the victims are unable to interact meaningfully within their social environment thereby leading to derogatory and discriminatory attitudes from members of the public. The paper x-rayed forms of stigmatisation associated with mental illness, its damaging effects and measures adopted by Social workers towards its alleviation. Literature revealed that public and self directed stigma is common to mental illness. The individuals and sometimes their families are stereotyped and prejudiced, robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life, good job, safe housing, satisfactory health care and affiliation with diverse groups. The Social Worker in such instances should promote sound mental health services of providing supports that enhance coping capacity for clients as well as factual information about illness to the public in order to clear misconceptions.