The Fight For Mental Health Awareness

Self-pity and pessimistic attitudes remain a topic of discussion with a mentally ill patient, however the more valuable picture revolves around the stigma that the public holds towards those with a mental illness. Unrun Ozer, member of International Committee of National Journal Editors, acknowledges that, “Stigmatization is described as attributing someone in a way that would decrease the person’s reputation because the individual strays away from the general norms of the society” ( 225). Ozer clarifies that a stigma is an unfavorable viewpoint that society has on someone that is perceived as different. Those with a mental illness are susceptible to vulnerability because they are at a small disadvantage than the normal person. Negative connotations, such as adverse viewpoints and perplexing labels, affect the care and treatment process of those suffering because their compliance to treatment decreases. Society is too quick to judge and be ignorant if someone isn’t in perfect form, and Ozer reports, “ It has been reported that individuals with mental illnesses are seen by the society as dangerous, frightening, unstable, irresponsible, unpredictable, and having communication problems” (Ozer 225). Ozer declares that these labels are degrading to an individual with a mental illness, and cause feelings of introversion, decreased self-confidence, worthlessness, shame and despair. If we want happiness to be achievable for all, then criticizing individuals is a step in the wrong

At his White House conference on mental illness, Obama said, "We whisper about mental health issues and avoid asking too many questions. The brain is a body part, too. We just know less about it. And there should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love." It is normal to become emotional with this situation. It's not abnormal to not understand and know how to deal with this. All of us can make a difference to end this stigma. End this silence and use your powerful voice. Do not label or judge people with a mental illness. Treat them with respect as you would want to be treated. As our first step forward we must get the conversation started. We can take steps today that will have a significant impact on improving the lives of the next generation and others to come. We have the opportunity to make a difference during our lifetimes that will carry on, be the change, and take the

Mental illness is often wrongly portrayed in the United States’ media creating stigmatization and misrepresentation. Mental illness “refers to a wide range of mental disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). Examples of disorders include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Any “negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are called stigma” (Wilson et al., 2016, p. 2) and stigma can contribute to progression of mental illness because of its harmful effects due to misrepresentation in the media. In the recent years, the United States media has began to address the reprehension around the topic of mental illness, as it has began to develop into a rising problem in citizens across the nation. In the past, any portrayal of a figure or character with a mental disorder would be wrongly depicted, therefore, creating a distorted perception for the viewers (Stout et al., 2004, p. 1). Television shows have started to establish characters with mental illness in hopes to lessen the stigma behind ill characters due to the wrongful associations viewers may make. The way media viewers’ stereotype the mentally ill into categories can be harmful to the well being of those with disorders. Stereotypes can be so harmful that even medical professionals “contend that stigma is a major reason why one-fourth of the estimated 50 million Americans experiencing mental illness yearly will not seek

"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all."

In the course of proper identification, evaluation, and treatment, children and adolescents suffering with mental illness can conduct positive, normal lives. Nevertheless, the devastating majority of children with mental illnesses are unsuccessfully identified and the lack of treatment or support services have led to a subordinate worth of life and violence. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689) is an inclusive bill proposed to address the extensive issue of mental health. By strongly considering the United States’ struggle against mental illness and school violence, as well as utilizing theoretical constructs to examine the Senate’s bill, a social worker can develop a more holistic perspective that can productively integrate practical insights reached from a variety of different points of view.

I choose you because, we have the same research interest. With your supervision, I would love to find out more about the relationship dynamics of care and support offered by interest groups and how it impacts on people with disabilities using qualitative research methods.

In fact, one predominant issue in which Tracy internally struggled with was the social negative stereotype of mental illness. For instance, once Tracy left the hospital she expressed her acceptance and realization of her mental illness of depression, detailing her rational acceptance of the disorder, to professing her illness onto others. Through her actions Tracy faced multiple negative biases and concerns through friends and coworkers until one personal colleague understood, and accepted her illness by internalizing it as a norm and social acceptance. By this small awareness, and compassion for mental illness, Tracy took the power to overcome such as negative, strong, and socially stigmatized illness, which also portrayed my own thoughts and beliefs into this horrific belief system of mental illness. Due to this interaction alone and Tracy’s experiences I overcame a personal biases and reflection within my own personal view and advocacy of mental illness.

After looking at many articles about mental health and how it should matter to people. I found this particular one that shows support for depression, and other mental illnesses. In this article from People Magazine, by Jeff Nelson, he talks about how Demi Lovato went through her mental illnesses and how she is raising money in honor of her fathers mental illnesses. http://www.people.com/article/demi-lovato-raises-money-mental-illness-in-honor-of-dad

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.

Mental health—and the stigma that comes along with it—is a very important issue, one of global importance. Shah and Beinecke explain that 450 to 500 million people suffer from mental illnesses (15). Just considering the amount of people who suffer from mental illness is enough to prove that this is a global issue. Despite the large amounts of people who are affected by mental illness, only one third of countries have some sort of program to help (15). This shows the lack of concern for those who suffer from mental illness. Stereotypes affect many people, and those with mental illness are no exception. Everyone has their own preconceived perspectives and notions of mental health, and many of them are uninformed and unjustified. It is up to us to start changing our viewpoints on mental health.

During a mental health event the First Lady, Michelle Obama said, “At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. [...] Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distinction.” This shows that mental illness stigma in society is based on mental illness being perceived more negatively than other physical illness when it should actually be seen as the same. Stigma around mental illness has had very immense adverse effects on the willingness of undiagnosed suffers to not seek treatment when they need it. As a result of this one in five people with a mental illness will not get the treatment they need which has the effect of high suicide rates among the untreated sufferers. In an effort to reduce stigma around mental illness, so that more undiagnosed sufferers seek treatment, schools should devote more time to increasing awareness of mental illness and its effects.

Lack of mental health literacy has been a rising problem in society as the prevalence of psychiatric disorders have increased. Heath literacy has helped people with physical health problems to get treatment and support that they need. It is important for people with mental health problems to have this support as well. The article, “Mental Health Literacy” by A.F. Jorn is about the issues that many societies today face when it comes to people understanding mental health.

There is an obvious negative stigma surrounding mental health today. Mental illnesses are brushed under the rug and those suffering from them are often dehumanized and ostracized for something that they “let happen” to them. As one who has personally suffered from a mental disorder, I was forced to confront my own stereotypes about mental illnesses and in doing so was reminded of Belle. I strongly believe that this stigma derives from the negative and inaccurate portrayal of mental health in the media, especially children’s media since they receive little education on the issue.

Many people often have stereotypes or stigmas regarding mental illnesses. There is a general public stigma that is overall expressed by people who may not have full knowledge over the importance of mental health. When referring to the stigma, people will usually say that those with mental illnesses are irresponsible, should be cared for, or should be feared and kept out of the direct community. All of these stigmas having to do with mental illnesses are false. Many people with mental illnesses are able to hold stable jobs, graduate from high school and college, and even live as good neighbors in a community. By creating this stigma, people are adding to the everyday challenges that people with mental illnesses are going through. We should aim to educate and stop the prejudice that is brought about by those who are not fully aware of the importance of mental health.

Mental health and mental health awareness are a focus in our society and social structure; raising awareness and destigmatizing mental issues has come a long way. Unfortunately, some members of society still fear discrimination and stigmatization. This issue becomes more significant when works who experience high levels of stress do not disclosure their mental issues to their superiors; This increases the chance of having severe/frequent episodes. One of the main reasons workers do not disclose such information is in fear being seen as less reliable, and thus affecting the security of their job negatively. In this paper, I will propose starting a committee that ensures the job security of those who disclose their mental health issues and the appropriate support they need to cope with the high-stress jobs they have.