About 10 years ago I was involved in an anti-discrimination project with BT in which we set out to create an environment that was free of stigma about mental illness. It involved hard work at all levels, including educating managers and employers, but it was well worth it when we saw changes in the company in a relatively short space of time.

Discrimination

There is still much to achieve. Last year, a YouGov poll of 2,000 people revealed that more than half wouldn't offer a job to someone who admitted to suffering from depression now and again, even if they were the best candidate. In 2004, a Government report found that a third of people with mental health problems had been dismissed or forced to resign from their job.

Another YouGov poll found that 20% of British women said they wouldn't stay in a relationship with someone who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared with just 1% who said they'd leave a partner who'd become physically disabled and needed a wheelchair.

If you still think stigma doesn't exist, consider the use of "nutter", "loony", "basket case", "crackpot" and "schizo" - just some derogatory terms to describe people with mental illness. This does little to encourage those with mental health problems to be open about their condition.

In a survey of 4,000 people by Rethink, more than two-thirds of people with mental health issues said fear of stigma stopped them applying for jobs, disclosing their condition - even to family - and reporting crimes.

How to help someone close to you

Listen to what they have to say

It takes a lot of courage to "come out" about mental illness, so be as supportive as possible and listen to what they have to say. Nearly a third of people polled by YouGov said they'd find it hard to come out publicly with a mental health problem, while only one fifth said they'd find it hard to come out as gay.

Learn more about their condition

It's highly likely that you have misconceptions about mental illness so get the right information. There's plenty of good stuff on Mind's website at www.mind.org.uk.

Make time for them

Let them know you're there. If you know they're going through a difficult period, call to see how they are. Ask if there's anything they'd like you to do.

Encourage them to get help

If you suspect a friend may have mental illness that's not yet diagnosed, do your best to persuade them to seek help.

Fight prejudice

Know your rights

It's against the law to discriminate against people with a disability as an employer or a public service provider - and that includes mental illness. An employer also has to take "reasonable steps" to help an employee overcome the effect of his or her disability.

Confide in those closest to you

The stigma can only be challenged by speaking out and sharing information. Start with your most trusted friend or relative. To help them understand, supply them with facts on your condition and how it may affect your behaviour.

Keep trying

If you're out of work, persevere with job applications. Although discrimination exists, it's by no means inevitable, and many people have found employers sympathetic and supportive. On the whole, work tends to have a positive effect on mental health.

Seek help

If you're having mental health problems, don't wait for a crisis to occur before you get help. As with all conditions, the earlier you are treated, the less likely you are to suffer problems such as unemployment.

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Source: Daily Mirror

Pic: Gabriella Fabbri