Discrimination and support from friends and family members experienced by people with mental health problems: findings from an Australian national survey

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the scope and nature of discrimination and positive treatment experienced by adults with mental health problems from their friends and family in a population-based survey. Methods: An Australian telephone-survey of 5220 adults included 1381 individuals who reported a mental health problem or scored high on a screening questionnaire. Respondents were interviewed about their experience of discrimination and positive treatment from their friends, spouse and other family members. Descriptions of experiences were content-analysed to identify key characteristics. Results: Mental health diagnoses were primarily depression or anxiety disorders, and just over half had received..