Dr. Bernice A. Pescosolido is distinguished professor of Sociology at Indiana University and director of the Indiana Consortium for Mental Health Services Research. Pescosolido's research agenda addresses how social networks connect individuals to their communities and to institutional structures, providing the "wires" through which peoples attitudes and actions are influenced. This agenda encompasses three basic areas: health care services, stigma, and suicide research. You can learn more about her research here and follow her on twitter here.
In this episode we discuss how stigma contributes to the rejection of people with mental health issues in society, workplaces, healthcare, and interpersonal relationships. Increasing society's mental health literacy does not necessarily reduce stigma toward mental illness as this stigma is often rooted in fear produced by incorrect stereotypes of dangerousness. While stigma toward depression is reducing, it may in fact be getting worse toward people with schizophrenia. Dr. Pescosolido talks about the importance of seeing persons' full humanity, putting more resources into mental health, and the need for inclusion. Recognizing and celebrating our connectedness and what each person has to contribute will help us to find a place for everyone.
Episode hosted by Dr. Carmen Logie. Supported by funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Canada Research Chairs program. Original music and podcast produced by Jupiter Productions, who have various production services available to support your podcast needs.