This month on the HRIC Blog, we’ll be looking at the various types of stigmas that have long been associated with mental illnesses, treatments. In the first two weeks, we’ll take a closer look at the two most common types of stigmas: social and cultural. In the following week, we’ll be focusing on the myths and stigmas associated with the most common mental disorders: depression, anxiety, and OCD. In our final week, we’ll discuss some of the ways we can effectively dispel some of the myths, break free of stigmatic behavior, and compassionately communicate with individuals struggling with mental illnesses.
Before unpacking the stigmas, it is important to understand how exactly stigmas impact our society and our mental health. Below is a very simple flow chart that explains this process:
Stereotypes -> Stigmas -> Discrimination -> Negative Impact on Mental Health
Stigmas form based off the stereotypes we encounter and perpetuate from within our surroundings. Negative portrayals on the media, public opinion, lack of education and awareness, and personal stories of mental illnesses are just a few ways in which unreliable information can come together to form stereotypes and generalizations. These stereotypes then have a snowball effect and become fully-fledged stigmas, which become engrained in our communities as facts. These ‘facts’ act as justification for collective stigmatic behaviors such as discrimination and prejudice against individuals with mental illnesses. This leads to isolation, lack or withdrawal of support, and an overall negative treatment of people struggling with mental illnesses.
Some of the most common social stigmas against mental health are:
People with mental health problems are often unpredictable and violent.
There is no research to support the claim that people with mental illnesses are more violent, impulsive, or unpredictable that those without. In fact, people who are suffering from mental health issues are often times more likely to have been victims of violence or become victims in the future.
People with mental health problems are hopeless and they will never recover.
There is extensive amount of research to show that people with mental health problems recover from their illnesses or else learn effectively coping strategies and continue to live successfully. Psychotherapy, behavioral changes, and medicine are some of the ways people can help themselves cope with their illness.
People with mental health problems are not suitable employees and have a negative impact on the work environment and staff.
People with mental health problems do not perform less effectively than those who don’t or those who have a physical health problem. Problems arise when people discriminate against mental illness sufferers by denying employment or unequal treatment, leaving them feeling isolated, stressed, and at times unemployed. This discriminatory behavior aggravates mental illnesses.
People with mental health problems can’t be helped. Only a professional can help them.
While professional help is crucial to mental health recovery, family and friends are equally as important. Often times, family and friends will be the driving forces behind an individual seeking therapy or else just providing support. Nonprofessional support can be provided by:
People with mental health problems are difficult to communicate with.
While some individuals with mental health problems may have minor difficulties in speaking, understanding others, listening, or understanding body language, they are still able to communicate clearly, often without noticeable issues.
People can ‘snap out’ of their mental health problem and they are just lazy.
Laziness or weakness has nothing to do with mental health problems. There are a variety of factors that explain the presence or development of mental health problems in individuals, such as:
