In a recent interview, Dr. Arianna Papakosta and representatives from the European Initiative for the Normalisation of Abilities and Personal Identity (EINAP) discussed the current state of mental illness rights in Europe.

The conversation covered a range of topics, from the legal framework for mental health care to public perception of mental illness.

The Legal Framework for Mental Health Care

One of the key issues addressed in the interview was the legal framework for mental health care in Europe. While there are regulations in place to protect the rights of people with mental illness, there is still room for improvement.

For example, there is currently no universal definition of mental illness, which can lead to inconsistent treatment and support across different countries. Furthermore, there are concerns about the use of physical restraints and involuntary treatment in some cases.

The Role of Stigma

The topic of stigma surrounding mental illness was also discussed. While progress has been made in recent years towards breaking down the negative stereotypes associated with mental illness, there is still work to be done.

The EINAP representatives pointed out that people with mental illness are often portrayed in the media as dangerous or unpredictable, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding from the general public, as well as discrimination in areas like housing and employment.

The Importance of Empowerment

Another issue addressed in the interview was the importance of empowering people with mental illness.

This means giving them a voice in the decisions that affect their treatment and support, as well as helping them to develop skills and resources to manage their own mental health. The EINAP representatives emphasized the need for more peer support programs, which have been shown to be effective in helping people with mental illness to feel more independent and in control of their lives.

The Way Forward

As the interview came to a close, Dr. Papakosta and the EINAP representatives discussed some of the steps that can be taken to improve the rights of people with mental illness in Europe.

These include better training for mental health professionals, increased funding for research and treatment, and greater public education about mental illness and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. By working together and taking a multidisciplinary approach, we can create a future where people with mental illness are treated with the dignity, respect, and understanding they deserve.