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Impact of stigma on mental health patients
Impact of stigma on mental health patients
Essays on the stigma of mental health
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Treatments of those with mental illness and their recovery rates have been the focus of much study. In his study of the stigma of mental illness, Patrick W. Corrigan argues that clinical diagnosis intensifies the stigma experienced by those with mental illness and, in turn, diminishes their quality of life (31). Corrigan maintains that diagnostic classification may cause people to view those with specific mental illness as a distinct group leading to an expectation that all members of the group exhibit the same characteristics (54). Corrigan defines the stigma process as the following four steps: cues, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination (32). Furthermore, Corrigan argues that the label provided by a medical diagnosis may act as a cue
News paper headlines stating ‘Death of 25 mentally-ill patients, charred beyond recognition, in a devastating fire which engulfed their thatched hostel, pathetically chained to their cots in Ervadi Mental Hospital in Tamil Nadu' and on the other extreme 'States like Haryana do not have a mental hospital' is very revealing of the neglected state of approach to the mentally ill in India. One wonders! Why it is so? When all other sciences have made such great advances in India , Psychiatry has made virtually no headway, and is in a very nascent state.
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.
Stigma is associating negative qualities with having a mental illness. Someone who is mentally ill may be wrongly viewed or view themselves as being weak or “damaged,” leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is a huge barrier that may prevent people with mental illness and their family from seeking out help. Stigma is overall a specific diagnostic sign of a disease (Webster dictionary). According to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health And Addiction Services, it is stated that many people with either a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness don’t want to seek help because they don’t want to be labeled as “mentally ill” or “crazy.” No one should be mistreated because they were born different. Whether physical, behavioral
The Modified Labelling Theory, created by Link et al., (1989) hypothesized that individuals who were labeled as mentally ill, would manage the stigma they faced through three coping mechanisms; education, withdrawal and secrecy (as cited in Ray & Brooks Dollar, 2014). The Modified Labelling Theory is a credible theory that has been used to approach not only the repercussions of stigma in mental illness, but also to explain behaviours of those who smoke, live with HIV/AIDS, or have a child with a disability (Ray & Brooks Dollar,
Majority of individuals with severe mental health disorder are faced with double challenges. On one hand, they battle with the signs, symptoms, mark and defects associated with the disease. On the other hand, they are faced with stigma, stereotypes, discrimination and prejudice as a result of mental health misconception. Hence, individuals with mental health diseases are deprived quality life opportunities such as good job, stable income, and relationships (Corrigan et al, 2000). There are basically two types of stigma, namely; public and self-stigma. Public stigma as to do with how the general population responds to individuals with mental health illness. While self-stigma is the preconceived notion which mental health patients use against themselves (Corrigan et al, 2000). Evidence show that magnanimous percentage of United State citizens and several European countries all indulge in mental health stigmatization (Phelan et al, 2000; Madianos et 1987). Furthermore, Effective strategies to reduce public stigma are classified in three processes; protest, education and contact (Corrigan & Penn, 1999). Studies show that engaging in mental health education programs led to
Misrepresentation of Mental Illness Mental illness is often portrayed wrong in the media. Most movies and television shows exclude the details that truly go along with mental illnesses. We must clarify the actual effects of mental illness versus the misrepresentation we are shown on television and in movies. Mental illness is unfortunate, becoming a cliché.
To eliminate the partial representation of mental illnesses, television media needs to focus on all sides of this illness. The media needs to show that attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a legitimate disorder with effective treatments.
Stereotypes and stigmas promote a dangerous, single-minded perspective. These incomplete or half-truths are often far more duplicitous than lies, as they are more difficult to detect. When these perspectives remain unchecked, they can result in far-reaching, adverse consequences. It is the individual’s duty to refuse to perpetuate this single story perspective. Due to misinformation presented by the media, the stigma surrounding mental illness has created a discriminatory single story perspective; however, through honest and open dialogue, particularly with those suffering from these diseases, these stereotypes can be abolished.
The discussion of mental health is slowly being brought to the social surface to create a more inclusive society for those dealing with a mental illness. However, those with a mental illness are continuously being affected by stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination by those who simply don’t comprehend the complexity of the human brain (Glaser, G.2017). As more people become mental health activist, they are exposing the plethora of issues surrounding the overall mental and physical stability of those who are negatively affected by the social construct of what it means to be normal.
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
Mental Health Crisis Stigmatization of mental health and suicide is a major problem which affects patients and their caregivers around the world. The stigma leads to negative behavior and stereotyping towards the person with mental illness. This causes the person affected by this to fell rejection and to feel shame about their condition. All the stigma leads to underreporting, and data collection methods that is critical to suicide prevention that needs to be improved.
Imagine society blamed people for being diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer? Claiming that it was their choices in life that led to such an awful disease. To make them feel guilty of a situation that was in no way deserved by them. This happens all the time to victims of mental illness, but with the added burden of shame. Considering the shocking statistic that one in four will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year in the UK , why is it that we hardly hear of people suffering from mental illness? Why is it a cloud of judgment and misunderstanding still surrounds the subject? People with a mental disorder or with a history of mental health issues are continually ostracized by society. This results in it being more difficult than it already is for the mentally ill to admit their symptoms to others and to seek treatment. To towards understanding mental illness is to finally lift the stigma, and to finally let sufferers feel safe and accepted within today’s society.
The World Health Organization (2017) cited stigma as the most significant barrier to seeking psychological services despite advancement in treatment for mental health conditions. This reinforces the statement made by Corrigan (2004) who postulated that the stigma placed on mental illness alone is sufficient to deter help seeking among the general population. Blaine (2006) explained that stigma includes the perception of being defected and fear of being ostracized or rejected. Research has demonstrated that there is a significant negative relationship between stigma and attitude towards seeking professional help. Corrigan (2004) asserted that there are two separate types of stigma affecting an individual's decision to seek treatment. The first, public stigma is the expectation that they will be devalued or be discriminated against because seeking help is socially
Google defines a stigma as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person”. There is a stigma about people with mental illnesses. According to National Institutes of Health, stigmas make it even harder to conquer the illness. Not only do sufferers struggle with the symptoms and/or disabilities of that illness, now they have to deal with the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about their mental illness; People with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life, such as good jobs, safe housing, satisfactory health care, and affiliation with diverse groups of people (Corrigan, and Watson). People with mental illnesses didn't ask for their illness; it is a matter
Stigma of Mental Illness Nearly 50% of people experience some sort of mental illness at some point in their lives. At some point in everyone’s life they will have suffered from sort of mental illness from depression to anything that affects a person’s mood. Even with the tremendous advances in the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses, the stigma surrounding mental illness still persists. For example, people with mental illness may be viewed as lazy or irresponsible, insurance companies are making it harder for the mentally ill to have insurance, and it is hard for the mentally ill to maintain a job. Most people in society view those with a mental illness as lazy or irresponsible because they do not understand the mental illness.