Stigma Of Depression In Australia

The impact of institutionalisation and stigma on depression sufferers

Overview of population group
The leading cause for disability globally, depression is a condition wherein emotional numbness and /or extreme sadness is experienced for prolonged periods, possibly without cause (beyondblue, n.d.; mind your head, n.d.). Affecting one in seven Australians in their lifetime, and approximately one million Australian adults in any one year, depression has the third highest burden of all diseases both internationally and in Australia (Black Dog Institute, 2012). Fortunately, the Council of Australian Governments Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform 2012-22 has committed to minimising the stigma and discrimination towards mental illnesses within
society. The reform aims to provide people suffering from mental illnesses with access to appropriate, well-coordinated, and person-centred services and supports (Council of Australian Governments, 2012; health.vic, n.d.).

Sociological Concepts
Stigma is a social process that is either experienced or anticipated.
Discussed in week two’s lecture, Weiss et al. defines it as the phenomenon wherein individuals with an attribute condemned society are excluded, blamed, or devalued (Henderson, 2016). Moreover, Goffman theorises stigma to be the virtual social identity that is ‘demanded’ of people and become their normative expectations (Goffman, 1986). A major issue for those suffering from depression, the 2016 Depression Stigma Scale revealed that of 3998 Australians with depression, 37.8% believed that others thought people with depression were dangerous, and 69.1% thought that “most people would not employ someone they knew had been depressed” (Griffiths, 2016). It is because of this that people with depression can feel dehumanised, with the scale also revealing that 13.4% perceived depression as a personal weakness (Griffiths,
2016).

Statistics show that depressive episodes are the most common diagnosis for admission into psychiatric hospitals, an example of what Goffman describes as a ‘total institution’ (Mental health services in Australia, 2016; Henderson, 2016). These are places wherein individuals are isolated from society, divided into groups and powers, and live a life distinctly organised by the higher powers. Discussed in week two’s lecture, life in a total institution can lead to the mortification of self, where individuals lose, and destruct the things that form their identity and ‘old self’, ultimately creating a ‘new self’. Additionally, research has found that hospitalisation, and especially isolation, have demonstrated detrimental effects on depression (Gammon, 1998). This suggests that institutionalising depression sufferers can worsen their condition.

Intentions
Intended for all audiences, my painting portrays the different facets of depression, and the effect that institutionalisation can have on the degree to which depression is dealt.
Moreover, it aims to reveal the consequences of the stigma associated with depression and those suffering from it. Divided into two ‘worlds’, the black on the right represents the loneliness and gloom that often accompany depression. It symbolises death in the form of self destruction, with the darkness and solidity of the colour signifying a distinct barrier and segregation from the ‘outside world’ resulting from the stigma. The grey prison bars behind which the figure sits portray the idea of institutionalisation, and the way in which it traps those suffering from depression, disabling them from reaching happiness and freedom, namely, the yellow side. Evidently, the yellow side is in open space, signifying a life that allows self-governance, unlike life in a total institution (i.e. psychiatric hospital). The painting also incorporates three stick figures, with two that are sitting in opposing sides of the canvas, pulling the figure in the middle by a rope to their sides; either to happiness (yellow), or depression (black). It can be seen that the limbs of the middle figure are reaching out towards the yellow area, however, their body is distinctly towards the black side. This signifies the desire of depression sufferers to reach contentment, but the inability of their mind and body to do so.
Furthermore, the blank expression on the middle figure represents the emotional numbness often associated with depression. Evidently, the rope is not tied around the middle figure, but loosely wrapped around it. This symbolises that depression is escapable; as said in week seven’s lecture, overcoming your condition is about taking control and finding stability, hence, the attempt of the limbs in reaching the yellow side (K Harrison 2016, personal communication, 5 September). Furthermore, the accusations written in the background of the painting typify the stigma affiliated with depression and those suffering from it. Urged in week seven’s lecture, “your illness is not your fault” (K Harrison 2016, personal communication, 5 September), the phrases emphasise the ignorance of an outsider’s perception, especially of those who believe that the fault lies in those suffering from depression.

I chose to produce a painting as I felt it was the best method in which I could incorporate multiple characteristics of depression and the sociological concepts into one medium, yet still effectively portray the ‘lived experience’. It also allows the viewers to make their own interpretations without boundaries. Often regarded by society as just sadness, this painting aimed to increase awareness of depression through showcasing it’s complexity, and how it is impacted upon by what is viewed as harmless impressions by the public (i.e. stigma).