Workshops on mental health

Press, 18 March 1983, Page 28

Workshops on mental health

People should be able to seek mental health care without the fear of stigma, according to the Elmira Mental Health Players, Mr John Edwards and Mrs Marjorie Park.

The two Americans who founded the mental health players were in Christchurch for a series of workshops on mental health and alcohol problems.

Using role playing techniques, the couple aim to break down the stigma attached to people who have sought psychiatric care by increasing community understanding of the topic. “We believe that people should be able to reach out for mental health care in the same way that someone

who had stood on a nail would reach out for medical care, without stigma," said Mrs Park.

People trying to help those with mental health problems should not be judged mental, nor should they dictate. “Rather, they should listen and give several alternatives to the person,” said Mr Edwards.

People had to be aware of when they were under stress and had to get past the stigma of seeking help. They had to get help before they reached a crisis. Depressed people tended to withdraw into themselves.

“The stiff upper lip does not work for everybody,”

said Mr Edwards, “although some people are able to put on a pretence and make it through their problem.” Tears were a positive way of coping with problems, “if you know what you are crying about,” he said. Most people saw tears as a sign of weakness. “Little girls are encouraged to cry but little boys are told to be a man and snuff out any feelings,” Mrs Park said.

People needed to know what provision was available in the community to help with mental health problems. “We also need to educate people to reach out for help when they need it,” said Mr Edwards.

During their workshops in

New Zealand, the couple have found their audiences have not been as quick to respond as American audiences.

“But they are reacting, even if it is non-verbally,” said Mr Edwards.

The couple have noticed a large amount of stress in New Zealanders over economic and social problems. They also noticed a large number of divorces.

“But what you are experiencing here is not to the same degree of intensity or nearly as frightening as what we have seen in the States,” said Mrs Park. New Zealanders seemed to be a “positive” people which could help those needing mental health care.