Most Scots still think there is stigmatisation around severe mental illness

Most Scots still think there is stigmatisation around severe mental illness, according to new research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland.

A YouGov poll of 1,067 people from across Scotland, revealed three quarters (72%) think there is a problem with stigmatisation of severe mental illness (SMI).

The survey also revealed that less than half of Scots (45%) think public understanding about severe mental illness is now better than it was five years ago.

Severe mental health includes conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and eating disorders.

In 2021, there was 16,200 people in Scotland were living with schizophrenia while 52,697 had bipolar disorder and 20,104 had an eating disorder.

Dr Jane Morris, chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said: “These figures speak for themselves – we still have a problem with the understanding of what severe mental illness actually is.

“Over recent decades there has been a lot of work to reduce stigma around mental conditions such as anxiety and low-level depression, but our polling shows much more work is needed to correct the myths and lack of knowledge around severe mental illnesses, in particular schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe OCD and comparable conditions.

“I have close friends and dear colleagues who as patients or family have endured the unimaginable suffering these illnesses bring. I’ve seen the courage with which they have learned to trust their psychiatrists and tolerate the treatments and side effects they needed. I’ve seen too, how expert treatment has restored them to generous and creative lives.”

The RCPS will now embark on a campaign to educate policymakers about SMI ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

Dr Morris said: “Ahead of the forthcoming elections the College and our partners want to educate politicians from all parties to consider severe mental illnesses.

“A greater understanding can lead to saving and improving lives.”

The online survey was carried out by polling company YouGov and had a total sample size of 1,067 adults, with fieldwork being undertaken between July 24-19 2024.

RCPS is the professional medical body for psychiatry in Scotland, and sets standards and promotes excellence in psychiatry and mental healthcare.

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