The experiences of mentally ill patients concerning the stigma they experience within the community.

Abstract

This qualitative study has explored the experiences of six individuals with a mental illness who were living in the community, in relation to stigma. The study objectives were to examine patients' perceptions of current existing stigma issues, to investigate how patients feel stigma affects their day to day living in the community and to identify patients' views of how to minimize the effects of stigma. Convenience sampling approach was used to identify patients from a list of regular leave schedules. From this list, a random sampling approach was used to identify the actual participants. Semi-structured interviews were used for this study to help facilitate discussion on the topic and obtain the best possible information from the participants. The main common themes were identified using modified grounded theory approach. The results of this study clearly showed that stigma was generally present in these persons' lives, leading to social exclusion, no support, no employment and feelings of uselessness. Being distanced from their family and relatives was also one of the main issues which concerned most of the participants. A plan for promoting change was discussed by participants and education emerged as being the key element for change to occur. It was therefore concluded that stigma is still so much present in today's life and mental illness is still looked at with disgust, shame and fear. This study recommends that the general public engages in ways to promote change such as avoiding discrimination, using forms of media as a way to deliver information and increase awareness and the importance of support provision to family members.