Mental Health Stigma Essay

People with mental health issues have been viewed and treated in a variety of ways within western society throughout time. Historically if an individual displayed behaviours which disrupted their function in society and defied social norms they were viewed as lunatics, insane or even cursed (Cowan, 2008; Elder & Evans & Nizette, 2009). It is from these past issues that many people still have unreasonable thoughts about mental illness; their misconceptions have created unreasonable fears and negative attitudes toward those who experience it. This negativity brings for many the barriers of not only

Although stigmatizing attitudes are not only relatable to mental illness, the public attitudes towards mental illness tend to be more disapproving than towards people with physical illnesses (Piner and Kahle, 1984; Socall and Holtgraves, 1992; Weiner, Perry and Magnusson, 1988). Those with mental illnesses are viewed as being more likely to be responsible for their mental illness (Corrigan et al., 2000; 105). This assumptions is more towards those who suffer from substance additions and eating disorders rather than those who suffer from conditions such as schizophrenia (Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2004). Such attitudes as these therefore lead to discrimination. People in society are less likely to employ (Bordieri and Drehmer, 1986) and rent apartments (Page, 1977) to those suffering from mental illness, citizens are also more likely to direct false accusations of violence to the mentally ill. (Explaining the increased arrest rate among mental patients: a cautionary note, 1980; Steadman, 1981)

ts our study of the stigma related to mental health illness. There is a lack of research investigating the portrayal of psychologists, those affected by mental illness and issues of mental health; this lack of research prevents any interventions from being made to protect those at risk. “With the continued portrayals of therapy in the media, it is important to consider how these images may affect attitudes and beliefs that can contribute to help seeking behavior”. (Maier, et al., 2013, p.1). Although there is research supporting that psychological and medical treatment are effective for a broad range of mental illnesses, only around 11% of those who have a diagnosable issue will seek help (Corrigan, 2004). The researchers of this article were interested in how the media portrayal of psychologists and mental illnesses impacts those who should seek therapy, through the formation of stigma. The hypothesis of the article study is formed around the idea that turning to a professional for help is not viewed as a sign of weakness when the psychologists are viewed as trustworthy and have experience.

People with mental illness are often stigmatized for their illness from both other individuals and themselves. Stigma is described as a dishonoring characteristic (Thoits, 2011). The stigma placed on the mentally ill can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and make the symptoms of their illness worse (Psychology 101, 2011). Individuals that have been branded as mentally ill often face discrimination, stereotyping, rejection, status loss, and lower power (Thoits, 2011). People who are involved in the mentally ill individual’s life may also experience stigma just by being associated with those individuals. Stigma relates to mental illness in a negative way. Mentally ill individuals are often stereotyped as being violent, bizarre, and

The evidence presented suggests that the biomedical model alone is not sufficient to reduce stigma, rather approaching mental illness in a holistic way has greater success in reducing stigma in the community. By combining the biomedical and psychosocial model together with treatment information researchers have found more positive attitudes towards those with mental illness. It is important to reduce stigmatising views of mental illness to prevent discrimination and improve the quality of life. Moreover, when individuals internalise public views on themselves they may feel shame, become depressed and have the belief that there is not point seeking help resulting in social isolation. Stigma is widespread amongst the community from lay people

Being the victim of stigma typically reduces a person’s sense of dignity; marginalizes affected individuals; violates basic human rights; markedly diminishes the chances of a stigmatized person of achieving full potential; and seriously hampers pursuit of happiness and contentment. (Combating the Stigma of Mental Disorder A Position Paper from the EFPSA Social Impact Task Force, 2014 pg 2) People with mental health problems experience prejudice and discrimination in almost every aspect of their lives. Many claim that the discrimination of society is more disabling than the illness itself. In a survey of approximately 500 people, given a diagnosis of schizophrenia and carried out by the independent 'Inquiry into the "Schizophrenia" label in 2012, more than 80 percent of participants agreed that the actual diagnosis of the illness made their living more difficult, 88 percent said they thought the public associated schizophrenia with violence. Studies have illustrated that prejudice and discrimination against people with a diagnosis of mental illness are common all over the world. For example, more than 700 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 27 different countries were interviewed as part of INDIGO, a research study carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry , King's College London, in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association’s Global Program Against Stigma and Discrimination because of Schizophrenia. The results of this study revealed, 72 per cent of those interviewed said they felt the need to conceal their diagnosis, 64 percent said the anticipation of discrimination stopped them applying for work, training or education program and 55 percent said it stopped them looking for a close relationship. (Combating the Stigma of Mental

It is estimated that 43.5 million Americans, adults 18 or older, live with mental illness. This number represents 18.1% of all U.S. adults (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014). Stigma toward those who are seen as different have existed for as long as civilization itself, with the stigma for mental illness being one of the most prominent and long lasting that society has had to face throughout its ages (Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012). Increased understanding and awareness for those individuals suffering from mental illness is necessary for us to overcome the impacts stigma has on our society.

Stigma is a negative stereotype. For persons with mental illness, stigma is one of the greatest barrier to complete and satisfying life. Mentally ill individuals are seen as being dangerous, violent and unpredictable. As a result of this view, the mentally ill are stereotyped, discriminated against, refused health insurance, jobs and independent living in pursuit of goals, difficulty keeping friends and even family members which

Stigma is a feeling of disgrace or dishonor experienced by a person, especially a person living with a serious mental illness. Most of the people who feel serious symptoms of mental illness, they tend to hide it or deny it as they think that seeking for psychiatric treatment is shameful act. Consequently, people’s mental health deteriorates quickly due to lack of immediate early psychiatric intervention. Psychiatric nurses (PNs) are the front-line health care providers who interact with people living with mental illness on a regular basis. Therefore, it is important for PNs to investigate how people with mental illness perceive this stigma, how the attitude of PNs contributes to stigmatization, and how it can be reduced and prevented. How do

Mental illness is one of the most stigmatized medical conditions in society. People diagnosed with mental illnesses experience a difficult social life, where most of the community members harbor prejudicial attitudes toward them. Undoubtedly, having a mental illness profoundly affects how an individual interacts with the rest of the community in various issues. More often than not, the social consequences of mental disorders are negative since persons with the illness are naturally disadvantaged compared to their typical counterparts. For example, in education, jobs, relationships, and a host of other socially significant areas, individuals diagnosed with mental illness encounter insurmountable challenges (Baldwin and Marcus 390). This paper analyzes ten journal articles that have researched on the effects of stigma toward mental illnesses and highlights some of the social consequences that victims are faced with on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, without suitable diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, the outcomes are serious. Results such as substance abuse, homelessness and suicide affect the mentally ill who do not seek care. The mental health stigma has caused society to develop walls to successful treatment and healing. Without care the chance of recovery is slim and the damage to a person’s well-being is enormous. This results in a large population of people that live their lives in dishonor, shame and a constant battle. People do not have to choose to let mental health stigma takeover their lives. There are things that can be done to give people back their

Discrimination from friends and family can make patients feel more isolated and reduce support. Angermeyer and Matschinger (2003) investigated the effects of labelling mental disorders on attitudes in Germany. Participants were given a series of diagnoses including schizophrenia and were asked whether they considered them a mental illness. Interviews were conducted for 5,025 people, and the study suggested the demographics were significantly representative of the German population. They found that those who did give schizophrenia the label of mental illness positively correlated with the belief the patient was dangerous. A limitation of this study is that it only surveyed the German population because different countries presentation of schizophrenia in the media could influence social attitudes. It was also stated there was only a 65.1% response rate. Therefore, extraneous factors could have influenced who responded, which could have resulted in a higher proportion of people with strong beliefs about mental illness responding. Regardless, it is the patient's expectation of stigma which results in self-stigma, which can truly negatively impact recovery. Therefore, the study still the diagnosis of schizophrenia has serious adverse effects which can significantly hinder

There is a large amount of documentation concerning the prejudice against people with mental illnesses. The most consistent findings of these prejudices are dangerousness and unpredictability (Read, Harre, 2001). Negative attitudes, discrimination, exclusion, and inequality of treatment are the most common displays of stigmatization. Because of this, individuals with mental illness are excluded from job opportunities, an independent lifestyle, and other important life experiences (Crabtree, Haslam, Postmes, Haslam, 2010). Stigma originates from individuals who have not been exposed to mental illness in everyday life and is further perpetuated by ignorance in society. Therefore, individuals with mental disorders are more likely to be viewed

A long time ago people with glasses were considered “handicapped,” this social prejudice led these people to avoid the help they needed. As time proceeded this stigma against people with imperfect vision began to decrease and more people began seeking out the help they needed, to the point where glasses has become a fashion statement. This is not the same for people with mental illnesses, it is still believe that whatever is wrong with them is due to the fact that they’re acting weak and they have full control over the problem at hand. In reality they do not, it really comes down to the chemical makeup of their brain, environmental circumstances, or even the genes pass down to them from their parents. So we as people need to rid ourselves of this stigma so that people dealing with this issue can get the support

Mental Illness is a universal health issue which causes mass amounts of suffering amongst the general population. It can become a majorly debilitating when subjected to a psychiatric illness, however, this is not entirely due to the undesirable symptoms from the conditions themselves but also the stigma that’s inherently linked to the label of being “mentally ill”. The negatively stigmatized views cause shame, ostracism, and marginalization among the mentally ill and some even describe the consequences of stigma as being worse than the condition its self (The, 2016). Because of this, those in need of help often refrain from seeking treatment in order to avoid being diagnosed and becoming susceptible to the stigma associated with the label. It’s estimated that in any given year 30% of the global population will be affected by a mental health disorder and two-thirds of these people will not seek the care that they require (Ngui, Khasakhala, Ndetei & Roberts, 2010). Stigma has been shown to be a clear barrier that is partly responsible for this lack of help-seeking behavior (Wrigley, Jackson, Judd & Komiti, 2005). Therefore, health organizations need to look at anti-stigma programs that break down these barriers that restrict the mentally ill from seeking treatment.