Mental health in Australia unfortunately still falls victim to stigmatization. Occurring wherever negative opinions, judgments or stereotypes about people with mental illness exist, this stigma can lead those with mental illnesses to be discriminated against. They can miss out on work and housing, and are sometimes bullied or become victims of violence.
When we do hear about mental illnesses, they are often talked about in a way in which makes them sound alien and out of the ordinary. But in reality this isn't the case. Mental illness is exceedingly common - according to the National Media Initiative Mindframe, 1 in 5 Australians suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives.
There are different forms of stigma in society. Some are based on negative attitudes or beliefs, while others are due to a lack of understanding or misinformation. The media can also play a part in reinforcing stigmas around mental illness by portraying mentally ill people as inaccurate stereotypes, sensationalising situations through unwarranted references to mental illness, and by using demeaning or hostile language in reference to the mentally ill.
One organisation that is helping to remove stigmas from mental illness is the Association of Relatives And Friends of the Mentally Ill Illawarra (ARAFMI Illawarra). ARAFMI Illawarra is a non-government organisation who act independently from other mental health services. They are managed by a committee of volunteers who are carers, family members, friends, and interested professionals who work in mental health and community services.
On Thursday October 13 ARAFMI Illawarra hosted the 4th annual Wollongong ‘Walk of Pride’ as part of Mental Health Month. Through the walk they hoped to raise awareness and break down the stigmas associated with mental illness.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery started off the event in Wollongong Civic Plaza at 9.30am, with the walk finishing in Crown Street Mall among an array of mental health booths. ‘Walk of Pride’ saw the local community come together to stand up for those affected by mental illness.
ARAFMI Illawarra regional manager Kelly Parrish said she hoped the walk would provide inspiration and hope to those involved.
In regards to the stigma in the community she said, "More people are now noticing that mental illness can happen to anyone, nobody is immune to it. Everyone knows somebody or have had their own lived experience. It’s everywhere and it affects us all in one way or another".
It's important to acknowledge the impact individuals can have on a community when they come together to raise much-needed awareness for important issues. ‘Walk of Pride’ highlighted to the Wollongong community that every human has dignity and deserves respect. Events like these show those with mental illnesses that they have people walking beside them, that they have our support, and they have our encouragement to be included in the community without fear of being victims of stigma.
To find out more information about ARAFMI Illawarra be sure to visit them on their website and Facebook
All photography by Rebecca Pinilla
