Stigmatization Of Mental Illness Essay

The purpose of this essay is to explain the definitions of mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability, using bipolar disorder as an example to illustrate these points. Bipolar disorder will also be used to explain the concepts of the medical and social models of disability, highlight the influence these two models could have on people with the disorder and the experiences they might encounter. There will be a focus on some of the experiences a person suffering from mental illness might have in society, the effect these experiences can have on an individual and the influence of stigmas and stereotypes. This leads to the final discussion point, the action of self-disablement. This section discusses how a person with a mental health issue can be influenced by labels, stigmas and stereotypes, and how this can stop them from seeking help and achieving their goals.

The following essay will begin by demonstrating what is understood by the concept of mental health. It will attempt to identify different explanations for the underlying issues causing mental illnesses and it will then centre around a case study focusing specifically on one mental health problem. A description of what the causes and effects of the chosen illness will be given and information on the available treatment will be presented. To round up the assignment a brief explanation of the chosen case study will be included with an attempt to distinguish the common issues identified and how they relate to the literature information provided throughout. In this assignment, the case study chosen will target depression.

Within the past two decades there’s been a revival in efforts to reduce stigmatization attached to mental illnesses. It was concluded that if mental illnesses were perceived better as ‘real’ diseases by the public that stigma would go down greatly. Reports proposed the idea that better scientific understanding of mental illnesses by the general public could greatly reduce stigma. Stigma is intensely rooted in social and cultural norms it’s patterns devalue and dehumanize groups of individuals within society (in this case mentally ill people). Stigma constructs barriers for individuals, barriers that limit a person’s abilities to have equal opportunities for employment, safe housing, health care and social relationships.Efforts to reduce stigma in recent years have

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

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.

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

When society often tends to attach a stigma to mental illness, a person may feel isolated and fear others finding out. Therefore, a person is warrant in their fear of losing their jobs or being treated differently, if they reveal their illness to others. Amy Marturana noted, “Many people fear that being honest about their struggles with mental health will make people see them differently” (The Huffington Post, 2017).

These people are under the impression that society has come as far as it can into acceptance, and that there is nothing left for us to do. This dilemma comes from a confusion between acknowledgment and tolerance. Since the population is more aware of mental ailments, they theorize that they are more widely accepted. At first glance, it may be easy to agree with this theory; however, the statistics show a different story. According to a study done by the National Health Foundation, nine out of ten people with social illness have had negative experiences because of the stigma that they faced ("Stigma and Discrimination."). Looking down on an individual for these illnesses is the same thing as looking down on someone who suffers from cancer or another disease that one cannot control contracting. According to Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist and writer for Psychology Today, all of the social issues that mentally ill people face can make them develop a “self-stigma”; this type of stigma is when patients start to wonder why they even try and is linked to their symptoms worsening. Most of the time, mental illnesses are lifelong diseases whose symptoms can only controlled or treated. Social stigma is a real thing for those that suffer and no amount of ignorance can hide it. Learning to fight the stigmas surrounding and to notice the signs are the

Mental illness has dated back as far as anyone can remember it was first documented as an illness by 5th century B.C., Hippocrates when, “He was pioneering and treating mentally ill people with techniques not rooted in religion or superstition; instead, he focused on changing a mentally ill patient’s environment or occupation, or administering certain substances as medications (Unite for Sight, 2016). This was unheard of since then and now most cultures believe that mental illness is a demonic punishment for being lazy. This is where the worldwide term of mental illness stigma comes from. That leads us to the question, “What is a mental illness stigma?” According to Peter Byrne writer of an article titled, “Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it” defines a mental illness stigma as,” A sign of disgrace or discredit, which sets a person apart from others. The stigma of mental illness, although more often related to context than to a person 's appearance, remains a powerful negative attribute in all social relations. Mental illness is still perceived as an indulgence, a sign of weakness and a product of being lazy” (Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it, 2000). People who suffer from mental illness are afraid to let it be known to friends, family and bosses that they are suffering. This is because they are afraid that they will be treated differently or treated as an incompetent if found out by a boss. According to the American Psychological

Mental Health and Mental Illness are one of the major topics in the United State today. It is almost impossible for a person not to notice or heard of someone suffering from that disorder. People with mental disorder or stigmatize by the inability to function by the norms that society put upon them. Although there are evidence to support biological and enviromental reasons that contributes to the development of mental illness that alone does not ease the stigma that they are facing in a day to day basis . As a society, we need to educate ourselves and be supportive of those affected by this disorder in order to make this world a better place for them.

In conclusion, the stigma of mental illness harms the society by dehumanizing people who have a mental illness. This creates the idea that having a mental illness is shameful and embarrassing when in fact it is not. This also promotes the idea that people who have a mental illness are intrinsically criminals, “crazy,” and dangerous. The media that has portrayed those who have a mental illness as dangerous people has made it difficult for people to confront their illness and seek treatments because they fear judgement from society. If people showed more support such as change the public attitude and educate themselves, those who have a mental illness can find more comfort in seeking treatment which will increase funding for institutions. Ultimately,

The stigma of mental health illness, in couple relationships, is often overlooked, as it may be misrepresented as stress, poor communication, or even personality disorders. However, these cases, the condition of one spouse that is experiencing difficulties in balancing their illness creates stress on the other spouse that is healthy (Wetchler & Hecker. 2015).

In an article by the University of Pennsylvania, it is discussed how mental health stigmas are negatively affecting workplace relations and performance (University of Pennsylvania, 2015, para 1).

Many people worldwide that have a mental illness are faced not only coping with their health, but the stigma that comes with it. Many will go untreated or self-treat to avoid the derogatory effects of society. Why is having a mental illness stigmatized the way it is?

Many stigmas exist regarding people who suffer from depression. It truly is an invisible illness affecting millions of Americans each day; unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of depression often go untreated or ignored. Like so many who have to live with any type of mental illness, depressive symptoms are largely seen as a flaw in our characters. People who are depressed are labeled "lazy" or "attention seeking", and depressed adolescents are most at risk.