Ending the Stigma on mental illness using ACT and Social Norms Interventions
A large problem in society is the stigmas currently being place on mental illness. In the last 25 years there have sadly been no signs of the end of stigmatization towards mental illness (Schomerus, G., et al, 2015, p. 21). It is questionable as to why we even have a stigma because approximately 26.4% of the American population has been diagnosed with a mental illness (Kenny & Bizumic, 2016, p. 178). However, the majority of people are not acknowledging these statistics, but instead are letting stereotypes form. Unfortunately, these judgements inevitably lead to people fearing and judging mental illness and the people who have been diagnosed with an illness (Kenny & Bizumic, 2016, p. 178). If the society begins to recognize the stigmas surrounding mental illness, there are interventions that can reduce the current stereotypes towards mental illness. Two interventions that seem to be most useful are Acceptance and Commitment therapy as well as social norms theory.
People who fear those with mental illness are quick to associate the mentally ill with the words “dangerous” and “crazy” (Smith et al, 2014, p. 45). Negative attitudes and strange behaviors directed towards those who are mentally ill typically lead to more issues for the mentally ill (Hackler et al, 2016, p. 45). After being exposed to the negativity the mentally ill tend to develop added issues such as: lower self-esteem, isolation, and
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)
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
Corrigan, P. J., Morris, S. B., Michaels, P. W., Rafacz, J. D., & Rüsch, N. (october 01, 2012). Challenging the Public Stigma of Mental Illness: A Meta-Analysis of Outcome Studies. Psychiatric Services, 63(10), 963-973. Retrieved October 15, 2017, from http://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ps.201100529
While stigma may not necessarily be a cause of a person’s mental disorder, it can certainly contribute to the complication and perpetuation of their illness. The effect of stigma goes well beyond just the patient and provides a commentary on society’s overall level of intolerance of those who are considered different from the majority. By recognizing the level of stigma that exists, perhaps we can alter that behavior and gravitate towards a more productive attitude towards mental illness.
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.
It is believed that the majority American public hold the beliefs that the mentally ill are “unpredictable, irrational, dangerous, bizarre, incompetent, and unkempt”, and these stereotypes have only strengthened from the 1950s to the present. (Thoits, 2011) Despite educational campaigns, there is still a strong desire among the public to keep a social distance from the mentally ill in an attempt to avoid awkward social interactions. Studies have shown that there’s a direct correlation between discrimination and low self-esteem issues among mental patients. Low self-esteem is also linked to negative health effects. Not all patients who experienced social rejection report a low self-worth. It is stated that patients who experienced social rejection already demonstrated low self-worth and self-esteem issues. Some studies even find that stigmatized patients have a very high self-esteem. (Thoits, 2011) A study done by National Alliance for the Mentally Ill consumers, Wahl (1999) expressed that eighteen percent of the sample took the stigma as a form of empowerment. Another study done by Lysaker (2007) showed that patients with a high insight on their stigma were associated with lower depression, lower quality of life, and lower self-esteem. It was also found that these associations are stronger for patients with a high self-stigma than for those with a low self-stigma. Low
In our current society there is no love to be held for those who are classified as mentally ill. The mentally ill have become a stigma in our modern day society. When society hears the word mentally ill the unbidden thought of an unhinged man or woman walking down the street talking to themselves or yelling incoherently comes to mind. If they aren’t stereotyped as insane, then the mentally ill are generally seen as awkward, violent, incompetent, or weird. Even without the negative stereotypes, there are some who consider mentally ill people a burden on society simply because they don’t believe mental illnesses are actual diseases. For the people like myself who haven’t had any interactions with the mentally ill, we get our information about mental illness from mass media. The media is of no help to the mentally ill either, though the media may occasionally portray a mentally ill character as quirky or bighearted, they are usually portrayed as insane and coldhearted. The media unintentionally perpetuates the institutionalized fear of the mentally ill. If society is constantly associating metal illness with negative character traits, this can lead to fear and discrimination. Without the help of society backing them up, people with mental illnesses will ignore or disregard them, or not be given the treatment they need. An example of this is evident in Aviv’s article, God Know Where I Am, Linda Bishop ignores the mental illness she has been diagnosed with. Though Linda Bishop
When it comes to social stigma, some believe that mental health illnesses are not real disorders because there are no medical tests that can confirm or disconfirm their presence. Others think that only weak people are affected by these disorders because there are unable to deal with everyday challenges, some even believe that people merely “fake” symptoms to attract attention (CCHRI, 2017). In addition, they might believe that people with mental illness can overcome it by thinking more positively. Unfortunately, even those who believe that mental illness is real, can still view symptoms of psychopathology as threatening and uncomfortable. Such attitudes frequently foster stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems. Studies have suggested that stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental health problems are still
Over the past year there have been forty-five school shootings, leaving at least 13 people dead as a result (Everytown Research). After every mass shooting, there is a period of speculation and fear where the public does not know how or why these tragedies have happened, but the easiest thing to do to alleviate the blame and grief they feel is to place the blame on a target that cannot easily defend themselves: mentally ill people.
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.
The relationship between public perceptions of mental illness and social stigma of those with these illness is the degree to which stigmatising views can impact on quality of life for those with a mental illness and their drive to seek help. Stigma can result in discrimination and result in a loss of opportunity, power or status. Moreover, the media exasperates prejudice by amplifying the link between mental illness and violence contributing to the common view that those with mental illness are dangerous. When individuals internalise public views on themselves, they may feel shame, become depressed and have the belief that there is not point trying to seek help, resulting in social isolation. (Sheehan et al. 2016) Studies conducted by Pattyn
A large problem in society is the stigmas currently being placed on mental illness. In the last 25 years, there have sadly been no signs of the end of stigmatization towards mental illness (Schomerus et al., 2016, p. 21). It is perplexing as to why these stigmas even exist as societal misconceptions because approximately 26.4% of the American population has been diagnosed with a mental illness (Kenny & Bizumic, 2016, p. 178). However, the majority of people are either failing to acknowledge or ignorant of these statistics, and they are instead letting these ill-formed stereotypes prevail. Unfortunately, these judgements inevitably lead people to fear and judge mental illness and those who have been diagnosed with these illnesses (Kenny & Bizumic, 2016, p. 178). If society begins to recognize the existence of these stigmas surrounding mental illness, there are interventions that can reduce the current stereotypes and change the societal perception that prevails today. Two interventions that appear to be the most effective in this endeavor are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and social norms theory.
Mental health is an essential foundation that is needed for overall human development. Mental health is often ignored, overlooked, or frowned upon in many minority communities, cities and states across America. Based on the observations, made not only the black communities but also in my own community, there is a negative stigma that mental health is often looked at as something that one can control but often times it is not. This stigma is not only experienced in adult years but in children as well.
Since the 1950’s, or perhaps even long before, the mentally ill have been victims of misjudgement and prejudice. In the 15th century, women were accused of witchcraft and hung because of what is now known as hysteria. Mental illness is one of the most unspoken and wrongly perceived topics in American society. One of the most common mental illnesses is depression, affecting more than 16 million adults each year (Mental Health America). So how can such a common disorder be looked down upon? Many people still have misconceptions regarding treatment and general signs of depression. Schizophrenia is an even more harshly judged disorder that, when treated, allows people to lead normal lives. These disorders are only a fraction of the common, treatable mental illnesses that are feared and misunderstood. There should be more positive awareness for mental health treatment because there is a large negative stigma associated with psychiatric facilities and patients, there is little public knowledge to redirect this negativity, and misconceptions prevent the ill from being treated.
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.