Read our take on the YouGov statistics
So another week, another set of statistics that beggars belief, according to a YouGov survey more than 1 in 3 of the public think people with schizophrenia are more likely to be violent. But perhaps we should not be so quick to ‘damn’ the public for holding this view, after all the messages they receive from the various media are not helpful. I recall The Sun’s ‘Bonkers Bruno’ headline when Frank Bruno started experiencing difficulties – not helpful for generating a respectful view of mental health.
Headlines that are sensationalist are always going to attract attention, and attention increases sales. I do not think ‘schizophrenic makes cup of tea’ really cuts it in today’s tabloid media! So, now I have had a rant, let’s give you some facts. Rethink (the largest mental health charity in the UK) provides some thought provoking statistics, here is a selection:
- 5,000 people die each year from NHS acquired infections
- Over 3,000 die on the roads
- Around 300 of these people are killed by drunk or dangerous driving
- Around 100 women and 100 children will be killed during domestic violence
Compare that to 40 homicides that will involve someone with a mental health disorder. Rethink go on to say that the most violent, avoidable or preventable deaths have nothing at all to do with 630,000+ people who are today in contact with mental health services.
As champions of Mental Health in the workplace we want to encourage organisations to challenge their staff’s view of mental illness and to start making commitments to reducing discrimination. Maybe then, we can foster a more realistic view of mental illness for all.
If your organisation would like to do more visit http://www.timetochange.org.uk/ for ideas and information. As always, we can offer many options for reducing stigma about mental ill health in the workplace so contact us for more details.
