The Silence of Stigma
Definition of "stigma"
~ Merriam-Webster: "a mark of shame or discredit"
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~ Cambridge: "a strong feeling of disapproval that most people in a society have about something especially when [that disapproval] is unfair"
What is Mental Health Stigma?
Article by PsychologyToday
These are three key facts that we need to be aware of regarding mental health stigma.
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Stigma doesn't only have to be direct physical or verbal intentions. But even indirectly judging or purposely avoiding an individual is just as common.
There are still attitudes within most societies that view symptoms of psychopathology as threatening and uncomfortable, and these attitudes frequently foster stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems.
Social stigma is characterized by prejudicial attitudes and discriminating behavior directed towards individuals with mental health problems as a result of the psychiatric abel they have been given.
Perceived stigma or self-stigma is the internalizing by the mental health sufferer of their perceptions of discrimination, and perceived stigma can significantly affect feelings of shame and lead to poorer treatment outcomes.
Where does stigma come from?
Stigmatizing beliefs about mental health did not just appear out of the blue. There are many factors that have led (and still lead) to the wrongly perceived view of mental health.Â
There are various sources of mental illness stigma, few of those being...
Historical viewpoints say that early beliefs of those having mental illness were possessed by a demonic spirit.
People share false myths and rumors about mental health diagnoses, making people fearful about something that is absolutely normal.
There is an inadequate amount of psychoeducation about mental health. The lack of information about mental health correlates to the alarming amount of stigma.
Media like the news, social media, and other forms of entertainment depict those having a mental illness as being "crazy" and lead to discrimination.
Intro to Mental Health Stigma
Harmful Effects of Mental Health Stigma
Leads to Isolation
Often times, people turn their backs on family and friends who suffer from a mental illness. Because of this stigma, many people become fearful of those who do have a mental illness, resulting in breakups of relationships.
Harms Physical Health
Not taking care of your mental health can take a toll on your overall physical health. Dealing with a mental illness can cause physical symptoms like weight loss, stomachaches, fatigue, headaches, etc.
Face Discrimination
Individuals who face stigma often are shamed at their workplace and become treated as someone who is "crazy". More than one would think, people are denied housing, insurance, and jobs due to a history of having a mental illness.
Reduces Self-Esteem
People with a mental health problem lose confidence and hope within themselves. They see themselves as a failure and as an "abnormal" being. The stigma increases this negative view of themselves.
Less Likely to Seek Treatment
Stigma on mental health can prevent individuals from seeking out and getting access to mental health treatment. People who suspect that they might have a mental illness hesitate to ask for help due to a fear of what other people may think of them.
Can Lead to Suicide
People who are facing a mental health problem resolve to suicide as a way to end their suffering. Most cases of suicide correlate to those of having a mental health illness. The ongoing stigma of mental health is causing an uproar of suicide cases.
An Alarming Worldwide Issue!
The stigma and discrimination against those facing mental health problems is an issue that is occurring all over the world.
