A qualitative study exploring experiences of discrimination associated with mental-health problems in Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
Stigma and discrimination related to mental-health problems impacts negatively on people's quality of life, help seeking behaviour and recovery trajectories. To date, the experience of discrimination by people with mental-health problems has not been systematically explored in the Republic of Ireland. This study aimed to explore the experience impact of discrimination as a consequence of being identified with a mental-health problem.


METHODS
Transcripts of semi-structured interviews with 30 people about their experience of discrimination were subject to thematic analysis and presented in summary form.


RESULTS
People volunteered accounts of discrimination which clustered around employment, personal relationships, business and finance, and health care. Common experiences included being discounted or discredited, being mocked or shunned and being inhibited or constrained by oneself and others.


CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative research of this type may serve to illustrate the complexity of discrimination and the processes whereby stigma is internalised and may shape behaviour. Such an understanding may assist health practitioners reduce stigma, and identify and remediate the impact of discrimination.
School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, NSW, Australia. Richard.lakeman@scu.edu.au
R
R
Lakeman
P
P
McGowan
L
L
MacGabhann
M
M
Parkinson
M
M
Redmond
I
I
Sibitz
C
C
Stevenson
J
J
Walsh
D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013240:Stereotyping