title: Experiences of discrimination and positive treatment in people with mental health problems: Findings from an Australian national survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Stigma and discrimination are central concerns for people with mental health problems. The aim of the study was to carry out a national survey in order to assess experiences of avoidance, discrimination and positive treatment in people with mental health problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2014, telephone interviews were carried out with 5220 Australians aged 18+, 1381 of whom reported a mental health problem or scored highly on a symptom screening questionnaire. Questions covered experiences of avoidance, discrimination and positive treatment by friends, spouse, other family, workplace, educational institution and others in the community.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In most domains, respondents reported more positive treatment experiences than avoidance or discrimination. Friends and family were more likely to avoid the person than to discriminate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results can provide input into the design of anti-discrimination interventions and further empower people with mental health problems as they advocate for change in the area of discrimination.
authors: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia nreavley@unimelb.edu.au.
authors: Nicola J
authors: NJ
authors: Reavley
authors: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
authors: Anthony F
authors: AF
authors: Jorm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D005195:Family Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: Mental disorders; discrimination; positive treatment; stigma