Other Youth Topics

Breadcrumb

  1. Youth Topics
  2. Mental Health
  3. The Role of Attitudes and Discrimination

The Role of Attitudes and Discrimination

Discrimination against youth with mental health challenges begins early and increases over time, causing attitudes to become ingrained.1 Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that people with mental illnesses are not to blame for their conditions (84 percent), only about 57.3 percent believe that people are generally caring and sympathetic toward individuals with mental illnesses.2 This percentage is much lower (24.6 percent) for those who themselves suffer poor mental health.3

Attitudes of Young People

Discrimination and misconceptions about people with mental illnesses is prevalent for youth and young adults.4 Findings from the 2006 HealthStyles Survey suggest that, for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24,

  • about 24 percent believe that a person with a mental illness is dangerous and 38.9 percent believe he or she is unpredictable;
  • less than half (44.3 percent) believe that someone with a mental illness can be successful at work;
  • only slightly more than half (55.2 percent) believe that treatment can help people with mental illnesses lead normal lives; and
  • only around 26.9 percent believe that a person with mental illness can eventually recover.

Discrimination as a Barrier to Recovery

Discrimination associated with mental illness poses a large barrier to recovery and is one of the main reasons why people don’t seek help and treatment.5 Further, an unwillingness to seek help because of the negative attitudes attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts has been found to be one of the risk factors associated with suicide.6

What can be Done to Limit Discrimination?

Youth are a key population on which to focus discrimination reduction efforts, as they are more likely than the general public to know someone with a mental illness, and therefore have a unique opportunity to make a difference.7 The National Annenberg Survey of Youth conducted a large scale study on these negative attitudes and found that youth who were informed with facts and able to dispel myths about individuals with mental health disorders were less likely to discriminate against them. They concluded that various approaches have promise in decreasing negative attitudes and discrimination, such as the use of mass media to influence the attitudes of youth and educating students by incorporating persons with mental health disorders as speakers in classroom presentations and discussions.8

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has launched an anti-discrimination campaign called What a Difference a Friend Makes. The premise of the campaign is that recovery from mental illness is more likely in a society that is accepting, and that provides education and support from friends. Through acceptance and social inclusion, individuals who have behavioral health challenges or mental illness can be contributing members of their families and communities.

SAMHSA suggests everyone can do something to help a person with mental illness by

  • avoiding the use of negative labels;
  • showing kindness and respect; and
  • helping to eliminate discrimination in housing, employment, or education.9

In addition, understanding and accepting friends play an important role in recovery.

  • Friends can help by offering reassurance, companionship, and emotional strength.
  • Friends can express an interest and concern for people with a mental illness by asking questions, listening to ideas, and being responsive.
  • Friends can help encourage others to treat mental illness like any other healthcare condition.
  • Friends can dismiss any preconceived notions about mental illness and embrace a more helpful way of relating to people.10

Resources

What a Difference a Friend Makes
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration launched the Mental Health Campaign for Mental Health Recovery to encourage, educate, and inspire people between 18 and 25 to support their friends who are experiencing mental health problems. The site provides information to dispel myths about mental health problems, shares stories of youth and young adults who have struggled with mental health problems, and provides resources to encourage youth and young adults to support others with mental health problems.

Youth Mobile Response Services: An Investment to Decriminalize Mental Health (PDF, 23 pages)
This report from the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) evaluates the role of law enforcement and mental health systems in the United States and their relationships to racial justice.

References

1 Wahl, 2002
2 SAMHSA, 2006; CDC, 2007
3 CDC, 2007
4 SAMHSA, 2006; CDC, 2007
5 SAMHSA, 2006
6 CDC, 2010
7 SAMHSA, 2006 
8 Romer, 2003
9 SAMHSA, 2006 p. 3
10 SAMHSA, 2006 p. 3

Other Resources on this Topic

Announcements

Publications

Resources

Youth Topics

Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities

Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference

Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues

Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions

Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs

Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth

Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).