9 in 10 people with mental illness report high levels of discrimination

http://goo.gl/1Lh1sX

The behavioral scientists found that just 41% of respondents believed that people are caring and sympathetic toward people with mental illnesses, while a huge 81% believed that those with mental illnesses experience high levels of prejudice and discrimination.

More than two thirds of respondents stated that they would definitely or probably hide a mental health problem they were experiencing from co-workers or classmates. More than one third also said they would disguise mental health problems from family and friends.

Nearly 9 in 10 of those who reported having had a mental health problem said they experienced discrimination as a result of it - most often in intimate social relationships, but also in high levels at school or work. Health care providers and law enforcement officials were also alleged to behave in a discriminatory way by the study respondents.

However, despite reporting high levels of discrimination, more than 80% of participants in the survey said they have plans in place for them to stay or become well and continue to meet personal goals.

Overall, most participants felt that recovery from mental illness is possible - more than 70% said they are satisfied with life - and that they would seek treatment for mental illness when it is needed.