“Stigma and Discrimination Awareness Training” was organized by the Community Mental Health Center in our hospital. The training was given by Dr. Özden Aydoğan, one of our Community Mental Health Center Specialists. The training provided comprehensive information about chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and psychotic disorder.
Dr. Hasan Arslanoğlu, Deputy Chief Physician of our hospital, and our healthcare professionals attended the training program.
Combating Stigmatization and Discrimination
Social stigmatization of mental illness is an important problem that leads to the exclusion of individuals with severe psychiatric illnesses and decreases their quality of life. Society's devaluation of these individuals is often reinforced by negative news reports, which can lead to difficulties in their work and social lives.
To combat stigmatization, it is crucial to acknowledge it as a first step and encourage patients to talk openly about their illness. Emphasizing that psychosocial and biological treatment models should be used together, the training also focused on the role of social workers and Community Mental Health Centers to support the integration of patients into society. These experts can help patients find jobs and access other social opportunities.
Combating stigmatization and ensuring the integration of people with mental illnesses into society is of utmost importance for them to lead a healthy life in society.