Peopl 2.07

Ever since the concept of mental illness became more mainstream, it has become a widely controversial topic. Based on what has been seen in society, people who are involved with mental disorders are often dehumanized in some way.

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

People with mental illness struggle to fit into society. They may feel socially awkward, causing feelings of loneliness or isolation. Likewise, those with mental illness are more likely to be unemployed because of anxiety or fears. Without having a job or way to

In the United States people who have a mental illness are often stigmatized by others which causes one to often lose out on many opportunities due to the lack of understanding and education of others as well as experiencing discrimination. Many who live with a mental illness want to work and to provide for themselves, however, due to the stigma that surrounds mental illness portrayed by the

Growing up as a child, I always thought that any individual you displayed any behavior that didn’t seemed what we called “normal” should be institutionalized regardless of the diagnosis. Mental illness is an extensive term and can include some of the following, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression and stress, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In fact, there still are many attitudes within most societies that view symptoms of mental disorders as threatening which frequently cause stigma towards people with mental health problems. Many stereotypes lead people to believe that people with mental health issues are violent, crazy & unpredictable. Those with mental illnesses are usually inaccurately accused of being downright lazy & weak, however, studies have worked to prove this myth untrue. According to Healthy People.gov, mental health is a state of successful mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Many would agree that mental health is vital to a productive, healthy

In the 20th century, we focus on how much mental illness causes a problem, yet we don’t ever try to help them or even try to understand what they are going through. One thing that you have to always keep in mind is that they are human, just like you. They just want to be accepted without being judged. However, people who think that mental illness is just a big joke make them feel that they have something wrong with them, that they aren't good enough to be here.

One in every five adults in America experience a mental illness. Although people may say there are resources out there for people to get help, people still face discrimination for having a mental illness. Throughout history people with mental illnesses have been denied their human rights based on the restraints put on them by other people.

According to Psych Central “physical illness is considered normal. Someone could have and recover from a physical illness and no one really cares, as long as the person gets to feeling better. However, the mentally ill are not seen as treatable. They are called negative names and often have to hide their illness from people, even sometimes their own family members.”

I would definitely agree with the above statement, as even in this era stigmatization on mental health is still active. Despite, takin into consideration the large percentage of educated individuals who are open-minded about stigmatization and the government as well as other social bodies educating the public on mental illness. To top it, the hectic lifestyle we are leading and the stress level we are facing in work, schools and social life has been a main factor for many people to have a mental breakdown which may also be a contributing factor that may lead to mental illness. We are still unable to change the traditional beliefs and the critical thinking of many individuals (even us the healthcare professionals) who still stigmatize mental

Mental illness has always been seen as negative. The present Western media does not portray it as positive and the stereotypes affect all mentally ill people. When you think of a mentally ill person, you think of them as “crazy” “irresponsible” “childlike” and “alone.” But those are just the stereotypes. This society is dominated by neurotypical people, and due to that the neurodivergent community, the minority isn’t seen as “normal”, and usually will face discrimination out of prejudice. It is apparent that there is a negative connotation, but most people aren’t even aware.

Mental illness and deviance fit together like a puzzle. Many times if someone commits a crime or does something so insanely crazy, people are quick to say “Well, they were mentally ill”. Although, that is not always the case, a lot of the time it is. If someone is an excessive drinker, people will label them mentally ill. They obviously must have something wrong with them if they just drink all the time. If someone commits a murder, they will be labeled mentally ill. If someone does drugs, robs a store, commits suicide, and so many more things – they will automatically be labeled as someone who is mentally ill. People will plead insanity so that they don’t get the death penalty in prison. Pretty much every time, if someone

Primarily they suffer from the illness itself in terms of the symptoms and disabilities that arise, but they also suffer due to the stereotypes and prejudice that results from misconceptions about the illness. Both of these factors, thus, prevent the schizophrenic individual from have opportunities that allow them to lead as normal a life as possible. It strips away any opportunity for them to have a job, social network, safe housing and possibly even access to health care institutions (Corrigan and Watson,

And as humans we hate that idea. We hate it so much that we just don't talk about it. We sweep it under the rug and pretend that it's not there. But it is. Mental illnesses are a thing.

In today’s society, our norms are different than they were 30 years ago. This also applies to the norms in mental institutions as well. As our society changes, everything else has to subsequently change in order to succeed. Over the years, our treatment, inclusiveness and acceptance of people, especially those who are “different” has improved. Morals, which are also influenced by society’s norms, are very important in deciding the manner of treating people. People with mental illness, or those with any type of perceived difference or “wrongness” have a history of being mistreated and judged for their problems. This should not be the case. Anyone with any type of health issue, especially mental ones, shouldn’t worry about, or be stopped from getting treatment due to fear of judgement and dismissal by society. Norms are defined as “a rule, standard, or pattern for action” (“Norms”, 2008). This definition can also be applied to institutions, meaning the rules and regulations for patient treatment and patient’s allowed behavior in a mental institution. Norms distinguish between what is accepted and what is forbidden, frowned upon, or seen as not normal. Stigmas and norms go hand in hand, and stigmas are strongly associated with mental health. Society and cultural views can have a big effect on your personality and self-image, especially if you don’t fit society or cultures idea of what is right. It is human nature to want to fit in and belong. So when you don’t, it really