Influence of Labels Associated with Mental Health on how Mental Illness Recovered Out-Patients Perceive and Communicate about Their Health Conditions

Abstract

Literature exists surrounding mental health, however, particularly in Kenya, there exists a research gap on the influence of labels as communication descriptors used to describe mental illness, its treatments, and patients. This study purposed to find out the influence of these labels on how individuals who have experienced mental health problems or illnesses perceive and communicate about their health conditions through an exploratory research design. The objectives spanned from identifying the labels, to understanding how the labels are perceived and how they influence communication behaviours of recovered mental health outpatients. Given the use of labels as communication descriptors, Labelling Theory fit perfectly with the study as a framework used to explain how labels attach stigma to illnesses. By utilizing purposive sampling technique to identify recovered mental health outpatients, the researcher used snowballing to reach the target population across their network. Using semi structured interviews, the researcher interviewed 13 recovered outpatients who have been diagnosed or suffered from different mental health conditions like bipolar 1 and 2, ADHD, borderline personality disorder and anxiety. The researcher noted recurring themes across all interviews that informed the thematic analysis reported from the findings. It is imperative to note that the researcher concluded that there are labels that exist and are used to describe mental illnesses and treatments. The labels were found to bear stigma, have been normalised and in turn cause recovered outpatients to be fearful about expressing their mental health conditions openly. The study recommends for a nationwide campaign to inform the public about mental health that should be conducted through the Ministry of Health. Moreso, in the education sector, there is need for general courses about mental health to be taught in high schools and universities. The study also recommends that the media, which is the largest medium of communication should be taught on how to report and share news concerning mental illnesses, mentally ill persons, and mental treatment. The researcher also recommended that the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital considers rebranding to promote positive attitudes towards the facility and mental health. All the recommendations aim to create an understanding and promote de-stigmatisation of mental illnesses and treatment as well as people suffering from mental health challenges.