Stigma is when others look down on and treat another person negatively because of anything that makes them stand out, such as a mental illness, health condition, or handicap. Gender, sexual orientation, color, religion, and culture are just a few more categories that might be the source of social stigma.
The taboo against talking about mental illness is still widespread. Although prejudice and discrimination against those with mental health issues are not unique, it is more prevalent than against physical health issues.
Studies show that stigma is a significant contributor to poor mental health outcomes. As a result of stigma, people often put off getting help when they need it. It also lowers the likelihood that someone with a mental illness will get the help they need.
The stigmatization of those who have mental illness has a deep historical root. The theories surrounding the cause of mental illness have been just as diverse, ranging from seeing it as a sign from the devil to being seen as a moral retribution.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in sometimes severe and inhumane treatment that has not always been supported by scientific evidence. For example, trephining was practiced as far back as Neolithic times and involved cutting a hole in the skull to let the spirits out. Treatment of mental disease has gone a great way since then, but the areas of psychology and psychiatry are very new and still have a long way to go.
The origins of stigma may be traced back to human emotions: fear and ignorance. This persists despite advances in our understanding of the metabolic and genetic underpinnings of a variety of diseases. Media portrayals of those struggling with mental illness may also contribute to this stereotype.
Help is available if you or a loved one are experiencing mental health issues; get in touch with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to locate local resources for help and rehabilitation.
Those with personal or professional experience with mental illness may attest that, despite progress in psychiatry and psychology, a considerable lot of stigma lingers. Although there has been a rise in public awareness and understanding of mental health issues, the stigma still surrounds those who struggle with mental illness is very real.
Causes of Stigma
Many explanations have been proposed for why people with mental health problems are still stigmatized. Among the possible contributing factors are the following:
Oversimplified and biased beliefs about persons with mental illness sometimes fuel stigma. People with mental illness, for instance, are often portrayed negatively in the media as dangerous or erratic. Despite the widespread belief that those with mental illness are more prone to be violent, the opposite is true.
The public's understanding of mental health problems is lacking. This includes the prevalence of these problems, their symptoms, and available treatments. Due to this lack of information, stereotypes about those with mental health issues persist.
In some instances, the effects of stigma may be disastrous. However, stigma has more significant implications, such as encouraging fear, wrath, and intolerance against others, which is both isolating and distressing.
While it may seem impossible to change people's unfavorable perceptions about mental health issues, there are actions you can take to help. There are actions you may do to counteract both external and internalized stigma related to mental illness.
While stigma continues, it can be eventually eliminated with more excellent education and awareness about mental illness.
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