The Stigma And Stereotypes Of Mental Illness Essay

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

ts our study of the stigma related to mental health illness. There is a lack of research investigating the portrayal of psychologists, those affected by mental illness and issues of mental health; this lack of research prevents any interventions from being made to protect those at risk. “With the continued portrayals of therapy in the media, it is important to consider how these images may affect attitudes and beliefs that can contribute to help seeking behavior”. (Maier, et al., 2013, p.1). Although there is research supporting that psychological and medical treatment are effective for a broad range of mental illnesses, only around 11% of those who have a diagnosable issue will seek help (Corrigan, 2004). The researchers of this article were interested in how the media portrayal of psychologists and mental illnesses impacts those who should seek therapy, through the formation of stigma. The hypothesis of the article study is formed around the idea that turning to a professional for help is not viewed as a sign of weakness when the psychologists are viewed as trustworthy and have experience.

The negative stigmatization of mental illness does not only affects a person relationship with their friends and family but also affects their ability to maintain a job and find employment. Suffering from mental illness people already have preconceived ideas about you such as that you are violent or incompetent. People that suffer from mental illness are less likely to tell their family, friends or their employer in fear that they will be seen differently, seem less than or fragile. Family and friends provide a support system that will give people a way to combat social isolation that comes with mental illness and gives you a way to fight against the the negative thoughts and feeling that no one will understand you, having someone to talk to when you are feeling down and going through a episode and knowing that you have people rooting for you and won't judge you is the support you need when you are going through a mental health issue.

Mental illness is one of the most misunderstood illness. People use to never talk about it. Mental illness was viewed as a sort of a curse. It's still an issue today and people are still discriminated. People who have a very severe mental illness are made to feel different.

There is a large separation between psychotic people and the rest of the community. It has always been, “us” and “them”. This division is primarily caused by stereotypes influenced from the media. A focus group composed of individuals who affect the lives of people with mental illness, like insurance executives, were asked their thoughts about people with mental illness. Nearly half cited unpredictability as a big concern. Unpredictability seems to be tied to violence in the public eye. Although, mental illness alone doesn’t predict violent behavior (Elbogen & Johnson, 2009). Contrary to these beliefs, the vast majority of people with mental illness try to live an ordinary life.

The most surprising aspect of the story is the fact that the author was thriving in college and a 4.0 student. Also, the author found time to balance school with being an employee and volunteering all the while, battling with an eating disorder.

There are many categories of mental illness and many different levels. Many common disorders mentioned often are anxiety disorder, depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Brian Smith accurately describes the status of mental illness and its negative connotations:

Studies show that one in four people in the world have been or will be affected with some type of mental illness within their lifespan. Within this paper I plan to discuss what mental illness is, how mental illness affects individuals, and the stereotypes that come along with mental illnesses. The question I plan to answer would be “How has mental illness been perceived and treated throughout history?”

The stigma surrounding mental illnesses is one of the reasons why we have so many problems with mental illnesses. According to www.merriam-webster.com, the definition of illness is, "a condition of being unhealthy in your body or mind; a specific condition that prevents your body or mind from working normally" People with mental health problems are continually being brought down for doing what they do and having what they have. You can't help being depressed, the same way you can't help having cancer. Sure there are ways to prevent mental health problems, the same way there are ways to prevent physical health problems, but totally disregarding people who claim to have mental health problems is the

The Stigma on Mental Health is an issue I strive to expose daily. I was raised by a parent who suffers from mental health and addictions issues and then had a child with someone with similar issues. More recently I have witnessed my best friend struggle to find support for her eight year old son who has a complex clinical profile. Watching so many people I love struggle daily to receive support and basic empathy, I feel I have become somewhat of an expert on the effects of stigma on mental health . The Agency I will be discussing my critical research on is East Metro Youth Services. I have chosen to write my paper on an agency that focuses children and youth with mental health needs . After researching the various demographics of sufferers I realized children and youth are often undertreated and underdiagnosed. Canada has a two tier health care system which means, often times poor Canadians do not receive adequate treatment and diagnosis. Statistics shows that “70% of mental health problems have their onset during early childhood or adolescence” (Government of Canada, 2006, The human face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada). It is important as a Social Service Worker that I use my personal experience to help advocate and address the issues and needs of children and youth in order to prevent unnecessary suffering for children, youth and families dealing with mental health and addictions issues.

Mental illness has dated back as far as anyone can remember it was first documented as an illness by 5th century B.C., Hippocrates when, “He was pioneering and treating mentally ill people with techniques not rooted in religion or superstition; instead, he focused on changing a mentally ill patient’s environment or occupation, or administering certain substances as medications (Unite for Sight, 2016). This was unheard of since then and now most cultures believe that mental illness is a demonic punishment for being lazy. This is where the worldwide term of mental illness stigma comes from. That leads us to the question, “What is a mental illness stigma?” According to Peter Byrne writer of an article titled, “Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it” defines a mental illness stigma as,” A sign of disgrace or discredit, which sets a person apart from others. The stigma of mental illness, although more often related to context than to a person 's appearance, remains a powerful negative attribute in all social relations. Mental illness is still perceived as an indulgence, a sign of weakness and a product of being lazy” (Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it, 2000). People who suffer from mental illness are afraid to let it be known to friends, family and bosses that they are suffering. This is because they are afraid that they will be treated differently or treated as an incompetent if found out by a boss. According to the American Psychological

There are many types of discrimination and stigma around mental health. So damaging, it impacts 63% of individuals living with mental illness alone. Social stigma holds people for believing they can live a fulfilled existence in spite of diagnosis and symptoms of mental illness. The number of studies showing what it’s called “diagnostic overshadowing” that is, over attributing a patient’s symptoms of a particular condition, in many cases, it means the medical morbidity of being undiagnosed and untreated is rising. This trend presents alarming numbers, making us, the sufferers, sicker and self-conscious of our own efforts to live a “normal life”. I have experienced stigma in its many forms: social, perceived, and self-stigma. But I was

Mental illness is a very common part of society today yet, we brush it under the rug and avoid facing the reality of it. This topic relates to society because those who do not not have mental illness are also affected by the stigma of mental illnesses. All the different parts of society all view mental illness slightly differently but it's almost always negative. The mental illness i'm using for this essay would be the “common” disorders. This includes depression, anxiety, adhd, bipolar, and schizophrenia which are the most common. About 1 in 5 adults in the US has in someone been affected by mental illness at one point in their life.

The stigmatization of those who have mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, autism, and many more, is heavily wide spread through the world. Those who are misinformed about what these mental disorders are like are given their information through the media whether it is through articles or entertainment based media. (Theurer) First though it must be understood what a mental disorder is. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a mental disorder or illness is, “a mental or bodily condition marked primarily by sufficient disorganization of personality, mind, and emotions to seriously impair the normal psychological functioning of the individual—called alsomental illness.” (Merriam-Webster)

The stigma and the experience of discrimination faced by people suffering from mental disorders rises from the myths and misconceptions that the community at large faces in recognising mental illness as a medical illness and that is treatable. Poor knowledge and education contributes immensely to low levels of mental health literacy among the community members in turn rising in people getting diagnosed with mental health disorders. Many members of the community are unable to perceive the manifestations of mental illness and have stereotyped cultural terminologies attached to it.