Labeling Theory Essay

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People that suffer from mental illnesses are less likely to tell their friends and family because they fear to be labeled. Labeling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. In an article written by the NCBI, they stated that “Labeling theory says that a psychiatric label activates negative images about mental illness that are applied to the individual by others or himself/herself.” People that suffer from mental illnesses are usually labeled as unstable and ill and they don’t want the people that they trust to start to look at them differently and feel like they need to step on eggshells around them. The effects of labeling also …show more content…

Isolation has a very negative effect on mental health, because of the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions the person will experience without having someone to talk to about it. Social isolation is a major component of depression, not having someone to talk about your feelings of anxiety and negative thoughts can be very harmful to the person. The idea of being viewed differently from their family and friends because of the negative stigma surrounding their illness makes people less willing to talk about their mental health. The labeling theory negative effect on people is the reason why they are least likely to seek help and treatment and the reason why talking about mental health is something that is not normalized. Friends and family are people that you need by your side when you are battling a mental health issue because they help you cope and can be there when need someone to listen to if you allow them

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