Analyzing Mental Health Attitudes in Australia and New Zealand

This essay provides a comparative analysis of attitudes towards mental health in Australia and New Zealand. It explores the prevalence of mental health issues, the impact of stigma and discrimination, and the role of public awareness in shaping perceptions. The essay contrasts historical perspectives with current trends, highlighting the challenges and progress made in both countries. It also examines the influence of cultural factors, media representation, and personal experiences on attitudes towards mental health, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to promote positive attitudes, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health care. The essay concludes by advocating for greater public awareness, education, and support for individuals living with mental health conditions, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding society. Desklib offers a platform for students to access similar solved assignments and study resources.

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 1
Comparison and contrast on Attitude Towards Mental Health in Australia and New Zealand
Students Name
Course
Professors Name
University
City (State)
Date

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 2
Introduction
Mental health problems have become a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
Nordqvist (2017) defines mental health as cognitive, behavioral and emotional well-being.
Mental health is about individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behavior and at times it can be used to
refer to the absence of a mental disorder. It is a condition that has an impact on physical health,
relationships and daily life. Mental illness, on the other hand, is a combination of a variety of
psychiatric disorders such schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, mood, eating, and personality.
Poor knowledge regarding mental health issues and the negative attitudes held towards people
with mental illnesses is widespread amongst the public. It is so unfortunate that many individuals
do not understand mental health problems and therefore are likely to view people suffering from
the condition negatively (Sane.Org 2016). This often results in patients of mental health to be
treated in a bad way or the society labels them in a way they hurt their place in the community.
This is commonly referred to as stigmatization and discrimination. This report will, therefore,
look at the widely held perspective of mental health and compare and contrast the attitudes
towards mental health between Australia and New Zealand.
Literature Review
Introduction
World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of complete physical mental and
social wellbeing and not merely the absence a disease or an infirmity. This definition has three
primary ideas that may result in the improvement of mental health and are important. The value
difference across countries, counties, genders, classes, and cultures may appear too big to agree
on a definition. However, another proposed definition of mental health by WHO has been “a

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 3
state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal
stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her
community." Mental health is, therefore, the basis for the well-being and effective functioning of
the community and individuals. There is some level of interdependency between social, physical
and mental health and therefore physical and mental health cannot exist alone (World Health
Organization, 2015).
Attitudes Towards Mental Health in Australia
Individuals in Australia wants a good life shared with friends and families and full of
opportunities in involvement in making contributions to the various aspects of life (Mental
Health Commission 2014). Good mental health is a basic thing in building and maintaining a
good life. According to Mental Health Commission (2014), one out of five people in Australia is
likely to experience mental health problems at least once in their lifetime. This is an indication
that Australians are affected by poor mental health either at an individual level or through a
colleague, friend, family member or even neighbors. It is important to note that lifelong mental
illness that is experienced by people has a significant impairment in every facet of their lives and
at times requires long periods of hospitalization. Mental Health Commission (2014) notes that
mental health issues can be accompanied by other challenges such as physical health, alcoholism
and other drug-related issues, interaction with the criminal justice system and disabilities. The
stigma associated with mental health issues can be shameful and result in isolation for the
victims.
Some challenges are encountered from the negative attitudes towards mental health such as high
suicide rates and vulnerability of young people to developing mental health problems. However,

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 4
according to the report by Mental Health Commission (2014), many individuals have invested
their time and energy in sharing their experiences of living with mental health challenges which
have, in turn, resulted in more support towards the desired changes.
Negative attitudes persist amongst the members of the society where the stigma acts as a
disgrace that sets individuals apart from the rest. Some of the identified negative attitudes effects
are the shame, blame, hopelessness, distress, reluctance to seek help and misrepresentation in the
media (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015). WAAMH.org (2018) therefore actively seeks to promote
positive attitudes in the wider community through informing and educating them on how to
respond effectively to these challenges, build resilience and reduce stigma to enhance the
promotion of a community that is mentally healthy.
In a study conducted by the University of Melbourne concerning attitudes towards mental health
across the country, the findings indicate no significant difference for all the analyses done in
stigmatizing attitudes to the Australian population (University of Melbourne 2015). Also, the
levels of discrimination and stigma did not differ in the national population. In another study by
Lam, Jorm and Wong (2010), conducted on the Chinese community members in Melbourne
regarding their attitudes towards individuals with mental illness and training regarding the
mental health first aid knowledge on mental disorders indicated the prevalence of negative
attitudes on the mental health. However, significant improvements were noted in mental
disorders recognition and treatment, and there were reduced negative attitudes. With an increase
in knowledge concerning this condition, the community at large is determined to change the
perceptions of mental health. The general community members have less knowledge about
mental health problems even though mental disorders are so prevalent in the society where

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 5
virtually everyone is prone to developing the disorders or have close contact with an individual
who suffers from the condition.
Attitudes of Mental Health in New Zealand
Different individuals in different settings tend to have varied perceptions regarding the issue.
New Zealand is a country found in Australia. Kazantzis et al., (2010) states that people with
mental illness challenges have for a long time been treated in psychiatric hospitals that are
perimetered to separate them from the community. The integration with community members is
challenging because of the stigma associated with mental illness. In the research by Kazantzis et
al. (2010) on community attitudes in New Zealand, they note that from the 1950s to the mid-
1990s, they found out that older community has strong authoritarian views where they view
mentally ill people to be inferior. The relationship between gender and attitudes provide
conflicting results where the studies conducted in New Zealand show that both age and gender
has no significant contribution to negative attitudes towards mental health
In another study by Debbie Peterson (2005) on family attitudes toward mentally ill people, the
families have been seen to contribute to mental illness by either causing or aggravating it. The
family members also appear to be uninformed and have strained relationship coupled with
discrimination. The attitudes towards mental health are so negative that mental illness is rarely
mentioned because people do not like to talk about it, the media and the government seems to
ignore it. It is a subject that is left behind closed doors. Due to the negative attitudes showed
towards mentally ill people, there have been high rates of suicide and high levels of untreated
mental illness cases. Stuff Nation (2017) states that the issue of mental illness is viewed as a
taboo and people have been taught to deal with it privately. Mental health has been treated

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 6
differently to physical health but they are equally important, and this is an area that the
government of New Zealand ought to pay more attention to. Another contributor to the negative
attitudes is lack of mental health education among the community and thus results in increased
stigma and discrimination. The community of New Zealand requires to talk more about the
mental health, reach out to families and friends to stop the increased stigma and discrimination.
Comparison and Contrast between the Two Countries
Discrimination and stigmatization are widespread in almost all sectors of the society, and this is
an important health issue that requires being solved. The negative attitude limits social
integration and recovery. There is a widespread negative attitude that compares the two counties.
Mårtensson, Jacobsson, and Engström (2014) identify stigma as a social construct which happens
when society members distinguish and labels individual differences causing them to experience
discrimination and status loss. The attitudes can, therefore, be identified as responses either
behavioral or cognitive towards individuals with mental health problems. Australia and New
Zealand compare in that despite the attitudes held, with increased knowledge and awareness
creation in mental health, people are taking up responsibilities to develop positive attitudes that
will aid in recovery and a sense of self-worth (Mårtensson, Jacobsson and Engström 2014). In
areas where there are different cultures especially from the study conducted by Lam, Jorm, and
Wong (2010), on the Chinese community in Melbourne, there is the prevalence of more negative
attitudes compared to stigmatization. The attitudes in New Zealand appear to be more negative,
and there is the need to enhance more public awareness in both countries at large to enhance
positive attitudes.

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 7
An Analysis of The Attitudes Towards Mental Health
The beliefs of people towards mental health set out their interaction, opportunities offered and
support given to individuals with mental health conditions. (Kobau et al. 2012). Kobau et al.
(2012) also note that the beliefs and attitudes held towards mental health frames how individuals
express their own experiences on emotional issues and psychological distress. This also
determines their disclosure of the symptoms and steps of seeking care. The mental disorders are
common, and anyone can get affected. Personal knowledge shapes the beliefs and attitudes
towards mental health disorders, and when the attitudes are expressed positively, inclusive and
supportive behaviors arise. Also, when the beliefs and attitudes are negatively expressed,
situations such as discrimination, exploitation, exclusion from daily activities and avoidance are
likely to happen.
Stigmatization arises from the attitudes held and mainly comprises of negative attitudes and
beliefs that compel the public to show rejection, fear, avoidance, and discrimination against
individuals suffering from mental disorders. It is notable according to Kobau et al. (2012) that
discrimination and social exclusion that arises because of stigma, unequal employment
opportunities, resource accessibility, educational opportunities and lack of a supportive
community. Victims of stigmatization also lack access to quality healthcare, and when these
disparities arise, the cumulative negative impacts may have a long-term effect. In an article by
Relationship Australia Organization (2015), there is a concurrence that discrimination and stigma
interfere with connections and relationships with community members, friends, family, and
friends. The article further notes that the recovery process of people with mental health issues is
affected. However, to enhance a reduction in individual and institutional discrimination, the
understanding of the community requires being strengthened. When this happens, people can

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 8
identify and have a better understanding of the early signs of mental distress
(RelationshipAustraria.Org 2015). O'Hara (2009) and Sane Organization (2016) identifies that
attitudes towards mental health are changing for the better. In a survey conducted by Sane Org
(2016), people with mental health problems appear to be receiving better treatment from co-
workers, partners, family and the community when looking for jobs. They have been receiving
positive treatment, but there are some exceptions that O'Hara (2009) and Sane organization
(2016) notes that are still prevalent such as when looking for work in the insurance, banking and
the legal system.
The research by O'Hara (2009) notes that there are some aspects on the attitudes of mental health
that remain negative and the campaigners who are destined and tasked with changing the
perception of people towards mental illness and health have given warnings that the negative
attitudes are bound to persist especially with severe conditions such as schizophrenia. Caution
should also be taken against the persistent of media links between mental illness and violence
that foster negative stereotypes (O'Hara, 2009). In Australia, according to Sane.Org (2016)
findings, the workers are fearful of disclosing their mental conditions as compared to those from
the European nations. This is an indication of the role played by stigmatization towards mental
health attitudes. RelationshipAustraria.Org, (2015), Sane.Org (2016) and O'Hara (2009) suggests
that success in the reduction of discrimination against people living with mental health will be
attained through instilling initiatives that are anti-stigma, anti-discrimination with long-term and
broad positive effects.
The differences in mental health attitudes appear to be severe in communities where a society
comprises different cultures, and there is a high value that is placed in conformity. Individuals
who are mentally ill tend to deviate from the norm, and this will mean that in such societies there

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 9
will be a tendency of having more negative attitudes compared to where there are common
cultural values (Griffiths et al. 2010).
From the comparison and contrast on the different attitudes of mental health in the two countries,
several things can be deduced from mental health disorders. The common attitudes held are
likely to cause the victims always to perceive the likelihood of discrimination in their society.
The stigmatizing attitudes towards mental disorders victims have being on the decline throughout
the country (University of Melbourne 2015). The perceived unpredictability and danger
associated with suicidal thoughts, chronic and early schizophrenia have recorded an increase
from studies conducted in Melbourne and throughout the country, but on the other hand, social
distance has declined (University of Melbourne 2015). Because of the reduction of social
distance, the study carried out in Melbourne indicates that there is a higher likelihood of
individuals becoming more aware of other people who are suffering from mental health
disorders. It also possible that the attitudes towards mental health arise from the generalization of
the beliefs of the danger and violence associated with mental health disorders patients such as
schizophrenia and thus the negative treatment they receive (Griffiths et al. 2010).
Mental health first aid training amongst the Chinese in Melbourne's study show essentiality in
that the training increases the participant's ability to recognize the various disorders, the altered
beliefs on mental health and in turn a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes (Lam, Jorm and Wong
2010). Negative mental health attitudes are high in cases where the society has little of no mental
health literacy. Expectations are that increased knowledge will reduce the levels of
discrimination and stigmatization gradually.

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 10
Another finding from this research is that persons with mental health disorders are likely to be
avoided that to be discriminated against by friends and families (Sane.Org, 2016). This is a key
highlight to the importance of social connections in all area of interactions such as educational
institutions, workplaces, and other social environments. This shows the need for the society to
support mental health victims to overcome anticipated discrimination in social environments and
educate employers in the workplaces to support the reduction of stigma (University of
Melbourne 2015). This can be done through anti-stigma campaigns to focus on eliminating
negative attitudes.
Australia has adopted several approaches to challenge stigma because it is the responsibility of
all individuals to create a mentally healthy society that is in full support of social inclusion,
support recovery and is active in the reduction of discrimination (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015).
Some of the approaches that the society engages in are through learning and sharing facts related
to mental illness and health, knowing people who have mental illnesses experiences, protesting
when negative stereotypes and false beliefs are being portrayed by the media, family, friends
concerning mental health and by offering support to people who are mentally and physically ill.
New Zealand should also adopt approaches and programs that will enhance reduction of stigma
and promote positive attitudes. To enhance positive mental health attitude, people should also
treat mental health patients with dignity and respect and allow them free participation in social
activities without any form of discrimination (Healthywa.wa.gov 2015).
Conclusion
From the studies and research conducted in Australia and New Zealand, awareness and training
enhance effective recognition of mental health disorders and in turn, reduces the stigmatizing

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 11
attitudes and beliefs to allow a positive approach to treatment. The similarity in the levels of
stigma and discrimination shows the prevalence of the attitudes towards mental health. This is a
representation of similar attitudes across the globe, and therefore widespread campaign should be
facilitated to allow improvement in mental health literacy. To change the attitudes in the
countries and surrounding, respect and participation is a key aspect where dignity and respect are
accorded to people with mental health problems and in their participation in the different aspects
of life to enrich the community life. Engagement of individuals suffering from mental health as
advisory partners in mental health developments across all level will aid in recovery and changes
in perceptions of mental health amongst people. Acknowledging diversity and quality of life by
maintaining meaningful relationships has been undertaken to reduce stigma and discrimination
towards people with mental health issues.

ATTITUDES TO MENTAL HEALTH 12
Bibliography and Annotation
Lam, A.Y., Jorm, A.F. and Wong, D.F., 2010. Mental health first aid training for the Chinese
community in Melbourne, Australia: effects on knowledge about and attitudes toward people
with mental illness. International journal of mental health systems, 4(1), p.18.
This is an article which speaks about first aid training in case one has mental health issues
in the Chinese community. that lives in Melbourne. It analyses the effects that mental health first
aid training has on the knowledge and attitudes that the major population has towards those who
suffer from mental health.
Mårtensson, G., Jacobsson, J.W. and Engström, M., 2014. Mental health nursing staff's attitudes
towards mental illness: an analysis of related factors. Journal of psychiatric and mental health
nursing, 21(9), pp.782-788.
This article is an analysis of the kinds of attitudes that nurses have towards patients who
are mentally ill. The attitude that a nurse has can have an impact on the type of service they offer
to mentally ill patients. Other factors that lead the nurses to have such attitudes are further
analysed.
Healthywa.wa.gov.,2015. Stigma. Retrieved 04 14, 2018, from Government of Western
Australia: Department of Health: http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Stigma
The article is written by the Government of Western Australia and looks at stigma related
to mental health. Many patients with mental illness face stigma hence leading to late treatment as
they feel like they are constantly judged by the society. Stigma has devastating effects as it
aggravates the problems of mentally ill patients.
Griffiths, K.M., Nakane, Y., Christensen, H., Yoshioka, K., Jorm, A.F. and Nakane, H., 2006.
Stigma in response to mental disorders: a comparison of Australia and Japan. BMC
psychiatry, 6(1), p.21.