Self Stigma Essay

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The battle of mental health: The stigma behind the problem For people who suffer from mental health issues, life is a constant battle of getting up in the morning, going about the day, and living life. There is a substantial amount of stigma surrounding mental health keeping people from seeking health. There are two types of stigma: Social and Perceived, also known as self-stigma. According to the Touro University, social stigma is defined as the attitudes and discriminating behavior that is directed towards individuals from others, including but not limited to behavior, mistreatment and even violent actions. Perceived, or self-stigma, are internalized feelings by the individual suffering mental illness of themselves. People
More than half of those people are men, (4.1 million to be precise). Specific things to look for include, but certainly are not limited to the following: withdrawal from friends and family, sudden changes in behavior, using substances under dangerous conditions, engaging in risky behaviors, loss of control over substance use, developing symptoms of withdrawal and a high tolerance for the substance, and the person in question relying on the drug for everyday function. Dual diagnosis can be treated with the following methods such as detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, supportive housing, psychotherapy, self-help and support groups, and medication. However, symptoms of any mental health condition may also vary greatly. Warning signs such as drastic mood changes, confused thinking or problems concentrating, avoiding friends and social activities, and thoughts of suicide are reasons to seek
Stigma only goes away when others act. Speak out against it. People can express their opinions at events, in writing, to the media, or legislators. Loved ones can help the person by being supportive, encouraging the person to seek help, and educating themselves about their loved one’s illness. Stigma should not create self-doubt or shame. People sometimes believe that their illness is a weakness or that it should be controlled without help. People seeking counseling, educating themselves about their condition and connecting with others who have mental illness empower them and assist them in overcoming their own perceived stigma.

In conclusion, society should be more accepting of people with mental health issues. People suffering from mental health issues can feel free to get help, mental health issues are medical conditions much like any other, people constantly suffer harassment for having a mental illness, sufferers of mental illness may harm themselves or begin to contemplate suicide, insurance may inadequately cover treatment costs making it harder for people suffering from mental illness to seek

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