Experience of stigma in private life of relatives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Republic of Belarus

Abstract

To reduce the burden of stigma in the private life of the family members of people living with schizophrenia in Belarus, important steps should be taken to promote the empowerment of families including: reforming mental health services; provision of better access to information; family support services, community care; development of family organisations; assistance in communication, re-socialisation and independent living for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Experience of stigma among family members of people with severe mental illness: A qualitative systematic review

“…The majority of the studies (researches from USA, Germany, Canada, Spain, Italy, Iran, Dutch, Belarus, and Czech Republic) in this review showed that in addition to the inadequacy of mental health care, participants reported experiencing negative attitudes or discriminatory responses in their contacts with mental health professionals (Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Buizza et al ; Gonzalez‐Torres et al ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al ; O'Grady ; van der Sanden et al ; Shamsaei et al ), and one study from Israel even made this the main topic of its research (Amsalem et al ).…”

“…Several studies (researches from USA, Germany, Italy, Belarus, India, and Czech Republic) discussed structural discrimination due to a perceived inadequacy of medical support, information (regarding illness, treatment, and service), and the lack of legislation applicable to people with mental illness and their family members (Angermeyer et al ; Atine ; Buizza et al ; Koschorke et al, ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al, ; Krupchanka et al ; Muhlbauer ).…”

“…It was hurtful for family members to find others gossiping and avoiding their family (Karnieli‐Miller et al ; Shamsaei et al ). A lack of support and advocacy in caregiving from others and from within the healthcare system worsened the situation (Krupchanka et al, ). Family members expressed a lack of strength to fight unfair treatment, financial disadvantages, and societal discrimination and reported feeling helpless and hopeless (Hyun et al ).

My son has suffered from bipolar disorder for ten years.

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“…Some family members reported that they were kept away from events in the community or barred from entering the homes of people in the community due to the fear that their mentally ill relative would accompany them and would likely cause disruptions (Nxumalo & McHunu 2017). Loss of friendships and even (potential) romantic relationships were also reported (Krupchanka et al, 2016;Muhlbauer 2002;van der Sanden et al 2015). Some children and siblings reported being concerned that their children would inherit their family member's mental illness and experiencing stigmatization from breaking up with their partners (van der Sanden et al 2015).…”

“…In most of the studies included in this review, family members reported that they felt more or less ashamed of being related to a mental ill person because of the person's bizarre behaviours in public and being gossiped about and devalued in social interactions (Angermeyer et al 2003;Gonzalez-Torres et al 2007;Hyun et al 2017;Koschorke et al, 2017;Krupchanka et al, 2016;Shamsaei et al 2013;Wong et al 2018;Yulian & Yueting 2012). Under these circumstances, participants expressed their stress, fear of disclosure, and worry about the stigmatizing reactions and the associated negative consequences (Hyun et al 2017;Koschorke et al, 2017;Krupchanka et al, 2018;Krupchanka et al, 2016;Muhlbauer 2002;van der Sanden et al 2014). It is worth mentioning that cultural values and beliefs may influence feelings of shame, as described in some studies (Atine 2005;Hyun et al 2017).…”