How can Monika‘s story influence policy-making for mental health?

This story, like others, powerfully depicts the destructive power of stigma in the life of a competent and committed person. Monika has modest ambitions, common to all: to live in a home of her own and earn some money. Her story tells us how these aims have been defeated by employers out of malice, as well as ignorance. Monika comes across as perfectly competent to achieve her ambitions. I welcome her positive experiences in the user movement, but social inclusion should mean equal life opportunities across the intricate tapestry of society, not merely tolerance within the confines of institutions related to mental illness.

This story gives many examples of lack of information and choice, and the barring of opportunities, not least by the services and people funded by society to support people such as Monika. If society believes in empowerment and integration, it needs to tackle discrimination. Stories such as Monika’s have the power to touch the hearts of policy-makers. Maybe, if the message of unfair and unnecessary personal suffering, the loss of talent to society and the availability of ways to improve this situation continues to be sent, someone will decide at some point that enough is enough.

Dr Matt Muijen, Regional Adviser, WHO/Europe