Three quarters of the Welsh public believe a lack of education and awareness around severe mental illness (SMI) is a big problem, new research has revealed.
A YouGov poll of 1,101 people found 74% think lack of education and awareness around SMI – which includes conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – is a big problem.
While 68% think stigmatisation of people with a SMI is a big problem and 72% believe misconceptions is a big problem.
Currently, adults in Wales living with an SMI have a life expectancy 15 to 20 years lower than the rest of the population.
Now on World Mental Health Day, leading psychiatrists are calling on the Welsh Government to reduce the treatment and mortality gap by getting behind their five-point plan on SMI.
Published last year, the plan calls for better data gathering on SMI and more accurate statistics to understand what is happening on the ground, as well as a dedicated workforce plan to meet high demands.
The report highlights the need for greater clinical expertise in mental health across all health boards in Wales, along with increased specialist capacity – such as expanding local community rehabilitation services so that patients can access treatment closer to home.
Dr Katie Fergus, chair of the Faculty of Rehabilitation and Social Psychiatry, RCPsych Wales, said: “On World Mental Health Day this new poll could not be starker. The public clearly recognise that stigma, awareness and misunderstanding around severe mental illness is a major problem.
“A lack of awareness around SMI affects people’s everyday lives and contributes to a mortality gap which should no longer be tolerated.
“We welcome the Welsh Government giving greater prominence to SMI in the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Building on this progress, there is now an opportunity to strengthen the approach further, through improved data and by continuing to grow workforce capacity and specialist services.
“These are issues which can have such a huge effect on many individuals and their loved ones. If our plan was fully adopted – then together – we can start to work towards a greater awareness of SMI in society.”
