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Essay on mental illness stigma and discrimination
Effects of the stigma of mental illness
Essays on stigma and discrimination in relation to mental ill health
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The second barrier to Belinda’s recovery would be her age in the case of treatment as it raises legal and ethical issues if she refuses treatment. Although Belinda is only seventeen years of age, the Ministry of Health (1998) state that a person of this age is well within their rights to consent or refuse to being medicated and the refusal cannot be overruled by parents. However, if it is judged by a mental health professional that if a young person over sixteen years of age is not capable to give consent, then a legal representative, who is usually a parent can give consent on their child’s behalf (MoH, 1998). The Ministry of Health (2008) state that it is essential for every person working in a mental health and addictions service to …show more content…
The Ministry of Health (2008) also state that it is essential to identify a patient’s community or community of interest and support the patient to develop and maintain connections. For Belinda, the third barrier to recovery she may possibly face could be the stigma and discrimination attached by the community and those around her to being mentally unwell. Walker at al. (2012) state that people with mental health problems are possibly the most highly stigmatised group in today’s society for the reason that once a person’s diagnosis of mental illness is established, it is very hard to get rid of, or shake off. Lyons, Hopley and Horrocks (2009) state that stigma and discrimination have the potential to develop an enormous negative impact on people’s lives and overall well-being. The potent and damaging impact of stigma aimed at mental health patients encompasses most aspects of everyday life, as the continuous onslaught of discrimination impacts on relationships within families, which has the effect of eroding an individual’s confidence, contributing to self-initiated social exclusion (Lyons et al., 2009). Stigma in regards to mental health is linked with a number of social problems such as higher levels of poverty, poor physical and mental health, social isolation, deprivation and poor educational achievement (Bates & Stickley, …show more content…
The second barrier to her recovery would be the possible legal and cognitive issues surrounding her age. The third barrier to Belinda’s recovery would be the possible stigmatisation and discrimination she could face. The common theme in overcoming these barriers to recovery is education, and how a good mental health nurse would that Belinda and her parents have gained a greater understanding of Belinda’s possible diagnosis of Prodromal schizophrenia, which leads to
5). While Schizophrenia has been most commonly treated with the use of anti-psychotic medications for decades, cognitive therapy provides an alternative and cognitive psychologist would undoubtedly disagree with Elizabeth’s mother’s decision to medicate her. The way a cognitive psychologist would treat Elizabeth is by the use of therapy and encouraging her to talk about her behaviors and problems as they do not believe that Schizophrenia “is a biological illness that one either has or does not have” (Freeman, 2014, para. 7) and instead the symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions simply represent the patient’s thoughts and feelings (Freeman, 2014). For example, “an individual troubled by hearing voices will be helped to understand what’s triggering these voices, and to develop a more confident, empowering relationship with them” (Freeman, 2014, para.
Belinda presents with poor mannerisms, does not make any eye-contact and will not talk during the assessment unless it is to defend herself or deny her actions and also make bizarre accusations against her parents. She also seems very malnourished. The symptoms Belinda’s parent are describing could indicate a diagnosis of Prodromal Schizophrenia, which would need to be addressed immediately by early intervention and putting a recovery plan in place. There are three possible barriers to Belinda’s recovery that have been identified. The first being her weight, as the paranoia she is experiencing is having a detrimental effect on her physical health. The second possible barrier to Belinda’s recovery would be her age. As she is only seventeen years old, there are legal issues which need to be
Schizophrenia is a deteriorating progressive disease, consequently, it is resistant to treatment for the individual suffering schizophrenia. (Catts & O’Toole, 2016). In most cases the individuals suffering from schizophrenia, are resistive to treatment, in most cases, individuals suffering from schizophrenia, and are resistive in taking antipsychotics. (Catts & O’Toole, 2016). Jeremy doesn’t see himself as a “schizophrenic”, he states that “he’s happy naturally”, and often he’s observed playing the guitar and doing painting in his room. Weekly, he has an intramuscular medication to treat his disorder, crediting the support of his wife. It is indicated that the morality rate, in patients suffering from schizophrenia is higher, despite the considerable resources available, in Australia. New data show that in 20 countries, including Australia, only 13.5% meet the recovery criteria, which means that 1or 2 patients in every 100, will meet this criteria per year. (Catts & O’Toole, 2016). This means that there’s a decline in providing support and services to individuals like Jeremy suffering from a mental illness such as Schizophrenia. Many individuals become severely ill before they realise they need medical treatment, and when receiving treatment it is usually short-term. (Nielssen, McGorry, Castle & Galletly, 2017). The RANZCP guidelines highlights that
The stigma and negative associations that go with mental illness have been around as long as mental illness itself has been recognized. As society has advanced, little changes have been made to the deep-rooted ideas that go along with psychological disorders. It is clearly seen throughout history that people with mental illness are discriminated against, cast out of society, and deemed “damaged”. They are unable to escape the stigma that goes along with their illness, and are often left to defend themselves in a world that is not accepting of differences in people. Society needs to realize what it is doing, and how it is affecting these people who are affected with mental illness.
Throughout her presentation, she explains how public stigmas, once again, cause label avoidance pushing many who need help away from treatment. She then goes on to explain how these stereotyped behaviors cause discrimination towards people with a mental illness from employment to housing which only leads to the creation of more stigmas. Finally, she states how the impact of stigmas is associated with the reduction of self-esteem, overall poor health, and problems with interpersonal relationships (Willits). By using this presentation I am able to connect what we have learned about mental health stigmas to my article. First off, for example, Morris explains how psychiatric units invoke people to imagine a frightening place where insane patients are strapped down and poked and prodded for care (Morris). This stereotypical idea relates to how Willits described general stereotypes associated with mental illness such as crazy and dangerous (Willits). On top of that, Willits explained how these stigmas have negative consequences for patients (Willits). This relates to Morris’s explanation on how the stigma around institutions has caused these units to shut down forcing many people to be homeless or live in jail
.... This may push people out of the recovery process before they are ready and it challenges empowerment aspects and structural problems. It has also been argued that the recovery model attempts to hide the dominance of the medical model. This marginalizes those who do not fit into a recovery narrative. Professionals have said that majority of the people who a serious illness, such as schizophrenia, require both psychotropic and psychosocial interventions to help cure their symptoms during a crisis (Rosenson, 1993). Therefore, the recovery model has been criticized for its emphasis away from medicalization. In addition, it can be argued that that while the approach may be a useful for corrective measures, institutional and personal difficulties make it essential that there be sufficient ongoing effective support with stress management and coping in daily life.
By linking all the credible studies and researches, Davey states that stigma has negative impacts on the mental health sufferers and also the society; and thus those effects are the “reasons for attempting to eradicate mental health stigma and ensure that social inclusion is facilitated and recovery can be efficiently achieved” (Davey).
When dealing with an individual that is suffering from a behavioral or mental illness can be challenging, due to the fragile balance within their life. Not only do these members have to deal with the day to day changes of life, they must also deal with the reproductions caused by this instability. Moreover, the stigmas associated in these various contexts can lead to a plethora of problems. As social workers, it is our job to help navigate around these problems and help create success for the lives of our clients.
In the past, people with mental health problems were doomed to isolation and contempt of other, “normal” people (Cameron, D. and Fraser, 2001). Often, people with a mental illness were subjects to discrimination and humiliation from the part of other people who did not have such problems. The ...
After careful analysis of the concept of stigma, it is clear that this concept is significant throughout Frank’s illness experience. The social and individual aspects of stigma unquestionably holds a seminal effect on an individuals overall interpretation of their illness. Assisting patients in increased involvement to sustain a positive self-identity is an effective approach in overcoming their perceived stigma.
In the article Issues and Controversies says, "Throughout most of human history, people with mental illness were ostracized, isolated, and persecuted." ( Infobase,1) This belief system can give causation of mental illness in different cultures and such influences in a community will always be in a negative manner. Various societies struggle with the notion of mental health. The standards of every culture believe to be considered normal, natural, or healthy. These views lead to disagreements about the causes, diagnosis, and the treatment of the disorders. Many people with mental problems are discriminated against because of their mental disorder. Mental illness and stigma refers to the view of the person with mental illness as having undesirable traits. Stigma leads to negative behavior, stereotyping, and discriminatory behavior towards the person with mental health issues. This stigma causes the affected person to experience denial or shame of their condition. Perceived stigma can result in the patient being scared to seek help. Stigma can be divided into two perspectives, public and self stigma. Upadhyay says, "Public stigma occurs when the general
Most commonly, people are stated to be “depressed” rather than someone who “has depression”. It is a common perception that mental illnesses are not a priority when it comes to Government spending, just as it is forgotten that most mental health disorders can be treated and lead a normal life if treatment is successful. The effect of this makes a sufferer feel embarrassed and dehumanized. A common perception is that they should be feared or looked down upon for something they have not caused. People experience stigma as a barrier that can affect nearly every aspect of life—limiting opportunities for employment, housing and education, causing the loss of family and friends.... ...
The lack of quality healthcare and opportunities for recovery are far from the only significant disadvantages of mental illness stigmas. In 1996, the Mac Arthur Mental Health module administered a study and found that “more than a half of respondents are unwilling to: spend an evening socializing, work next to, or have a family member marry a person with mental illness” (Corrigan and Watson 17). This study makes clear just how isolating living with mental illness can be, especially when public stigmas manifest into
There are many ways in which the sufferers are degraded and shamed. It is a common perception that mental illnesses are not a priority when it comes to Government spending, just as it is too often forgotten that most mental health disorders can be treated and lead a normal life if treatment is successful. This branding makes a sufferer feel embarrassed and dehumanized; a common perception is that they should be feared or looked down upon for something they have not caused. This as a barrier that can affect nearly every aspect of life -limiting opportunities for employment, housing, education, and causing the loss of family and friends. The humiliating self-image when someone submits to the negative views held by others is also known as self-stigma . ...
To be assessed as having a psychiatric disorder requires medical diagnosis, either from a doctor or a mental health practitioner. A treatment plan will be offered if a diagnosis is made that may include medication and a care plan. Bronwyn is an example of someone who is not classified with a psychiatric disorder, yet is questioning her mental health as life has become unmanageable and overwhelming (The Open University, 2008). The K225 Course Model examines the external influences of the service user and determines whether they have contributed to the mental distress being experienced (The Open University, 2008b, pp.26-27). This essay will use the K225 Model to discuss Bronwyn’s situation, working like a map to reveal the route that has led to her mental distress, explore both the benefits and the drawbacks of being diagnosed with a named psychiatric disorder and how the decision that she makes could impact her life. “To be placed in a category of ‘mental illness’ can have a significant impact on someone’s life” (The Open University, 2008d, p.105).