What Is Stigmatization Of Mental Illness

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)

7. Lt Col Chris Karns, "Eliminating Stigma: A Leadership Responsibility," U.S. Air Force, 02 September 2014,

The disparity in treatment has been attempted to be remedied over the eras. Bills and Acts put into place in the 20th and 21st centuries have seeked to improve care and reduce stigma around those with mental illness. This began in 1942, when Harry Truman signed the National Mental Health Act, which requested the formation of a National Institute of Mental Health. Shortly after this, in 1949, the National Institute of Mental Health was established (“National Institute of Mental Health”). During the company’s 60 year lifespan they have focused on research about mental illness, educating the public, and improving the lives of the mentally ill by working to pass laws. One law that seeks to reduce the stigma of mental illness is the Mental Healths Service Act of California. "California 's Historic Effort To Reduce The Stigma Of Mental Illness: The Mental Health Services Act" from the American Journal Of Public Health illustrates how the Act will make improvements. Families and individuals who have experienced stigma had a big role in the process, specifically with developing a 10 year plan, the California Strategic Plan on Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination. One component of the Act discussed is the work plan developed by California Mental Health Services Authority, which has three components: stigma and discrimination reduction, student mental health, and suicide prevention. Organizations such as the NIMH have made efforts resulting in the evolution of mental

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.

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

To many a stigma is a disgraceful flaw, that of a negative presence. In mental health this stigma is overwhelming. Approximately 57.7 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in any given year. (National Alliance on Mental Illness) People in dire need of help are not seeking it. Mental illnesses are going undiagnosed. The mental health stigma is having a negative impact on the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.

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

Schizophrenia, an often misunderstood brain disorder, faces unjust judgment in the United States due to inaccurate depictions prevalent in our media, and sensationalizing articles using mental illness to elicit a high consumer response to maximise profit. These factors have served to paint schizophrenics in an unfavorable light, generalizing them as uncontrollable dangers to society. It’s no surprise that the amount stigma towards this illness is perhaps one of the highest in the realm of psychological disorders. This stigma significantly hinders the recovery of patients and safe integration into the community. Stigma across different cultures varies widely, and though a plethora of socio-cultural factors have been said to improve the course of schizophrenia in developing countries, there is little evidence to support this.

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

Stigma has been said to be “a feeling of being negatively differentiated owing to a particular condition, group membership or state in life”(Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012, p. 458). There are typically two types of mental illness stigma that are discussed. Public stigma, also known as societal stigma, is the stigma associated with the prejudicial attitudes the public holds towards those people who suffer from mental illness (Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012; Corrigan, Markowitz, Watson, Rowan & Kubiak, 2003). Self-stigma, also known as internalized stigma, is the loss of self-esteem, withdrawal, and personal shame that some with mental illness will experience. Self-stigma is usually developed when those who suffer from mental illness associate the negative stereotypes the public holds with themselves (Chronister, Chou, & Lieo, 2013; Corrigan et al., 2003).

Stigma is when someone judges you based on a personal trait. Unfortunately this is a common experience for people who have a mental health condition. Stigma may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative comment about your mental illness or treatment. Or it may be subtle, such as someone assuming you could be unstable, violent and dangerous. Some of the issues facing those suffering mental illness may include:

Mental health and its stigma are an important issue plaguing today’s society. Many do not understand or acknowledge the severity of mental illness. The stigma against mental

There is a stigma in our country regarding mental health and its treatment. These stigma are divided between social stigma and perceived or self-stigma. Social stigma are those that society places negative feelings towards a certain group, which can lead to discrimination. Perceived or self-stigma are those internalized feelings of the mentally ill individual on how they feel society views them. Both types of stigma can lead to negative feelings of the mentally ill individual through feelings of shame, depression, hopelessness, and anxiety. Current policies on mental health are limited by federal legislation and may only address the aspect of public discrimination.

Individuals with serious mental illness are doubly affected by their disease; not only do they experience the often debilitating symptoms of their condition, but they must also endure mundane mental health stigmas and prejudices. Stigmatized attitudes are perceived to be one of the greatest impediments to living a complete and fulfilling life. Stigma has been defined as a combination of three related problems: ignorance, prejudice and discrimination (Rose, Thornicroft, Pinfold, & Kassam, 2007). Ignorance implies a lack of knowledge, prejudice entails negative attitudes, and discrimination involves exclusionary actions against people deemed to be different. Two forms of stigma are commonly distinguished in literature. Public stigma describes the attitudes of society towards people with mental illness, while self-stigma results from the internalization of prejudice by people who suffer from mental health conditions (Corrigan, Powell, & Rüsch, 2012). The World Health Organization announced that stigma was the most crucial obstacle to overcome for a community to functioning effectively and efficiently (Ontario Hospital Association, 2013).

A stigma is a mark, a stain, a blemish. From a young age, children have and always will, refer to others as ‘crazy’ or ‘weird,’ these terms are carried over the years and commonly used throughout adulthood as well. This casual use of language stigmatising mental illness is exceedingly common.