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Mental Health Stigma

Introduction

Mental health stigma is the negative attributes or judgment thrown at people with mental health illnesses. This includes labeling and discriminating. Stigma is the negative belief toward people with mental health conditions. In most cases, this is what people with mental illness fear—the stigma they will have to face when their condition is revealed. In order to hide from this discrimination, these people do not consult or seek help from a therapist. Instead, they avoid sharing and bottle their emotions inside.


When publicly revealed, these differences can create a sense of worthlessness and shame. Reality is harsh, and because of this, people with mental illnesses and conditions can be rejected in the workplace and face typical stereotypes. Mental health illnesses can include a range of disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When the public finds out about a diagnosis, it often fosters negativity and criticism.


Types of Mental Health Stigma

Researchers have found three main types of stigma: public stigma, self-stigma, and structural stigma. Public stigma is easy to understand—the word “public” gives it away. The public has a lack of understanding, and this creates a sense of fear in the targeted victim. It refers to the negative or discriminatory attitudes shaped by the opinions of others, which in this case is the public. Then, there is self-stigma, which is complex and harmful—it is the shame that people feel about themselves and their condition, along with self-negativity.


Structural stigma is real-world stigma, meaning it is more systematic, such as when governments or organizations limit resources for people with mental illness due to certain policies and restrictions. To be more precise, this can include ignorance of mental health illnesses and fewer services or healthcare provided. Stigma in a community is a potential danger to individuals with mental illness, as it prevents them from seeking treatment, which can impact mood, emotions, and daily life.


How Stigma Impacts People

Stigma and discrimination are incredibly harmful to mankind. This is because there are potential dangers and negative side effects that impact people diagnosed with mental health illnesses. Firstly, there will be hopelessness in the individual because of the discrimination thrown at them, leaving them to believe there is no solution for their treatment. They will feel a sense of hopelessness and also have lower self-esteem. They may develop increased psychiatric symptoms and even destroy their social relationships as their mental state worsens.


In this case, treatment will not be available because the individual will not seek help due to society’s judgment. They will also have a negative self-image, believing they do not deserve to feel well. In addition, stigma can be very problematic in the workplace, which is often political, and discrimination will also occur in this setting. Furthermore, these unlucky individuals will only worsen their conditions rather than treat them. Social isolation can also result from stigma and discrimination, as they may feel lonely among peers and family who lack understanding of their condition.


As individuals with mental health illnesses face harassment, bullying, and discrimination, their lives can be shattered. Moreover, financial issues can occur, denying the individual health insurance. Due to the many negative impacts of stigma and discrimination, people with mental health illnesses will live very challenging lives if no action is taken to solve this issue.


What Stigma Really Looks Like

  • Labeling to exclude people or groups of people

  • Assuming that an individual with a mental health condition is dangerous

  • Jokes regarding people with physical or mental health conditions

  • Certain people who are being showcased on social media poorly due to their condition

  • Laws or institutional regulations that impact a group of people with conditions


The Impact of Mental Health Advocacy

Mental health advocacy is a strategy to make a positive change by combatting stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health illnesses. This type of advocacy addresses the issue of individuals with mental health conditions and focuses on their rights as people. Mental health advocacy is highly beneficial because it helps provide mental health services, effective programs, and raises awareness on behalf of individuals seeking help from mental health illnesses. The fundamental goal of mental health advocacy is to ensure that quality mental health services are in reach, with people taking the effort to make themselves feel well alongside the support of their families.


By receiving access to quality mental health care and through early interventional and support systems, people can combat their conditions and become healthy and live better lives. Mental health advocacy not only acts upon raising awareness but is a standing point for prevention and to lessen the negative impact on people with mental health conditions that need treatment. By supporting mental health advocacy and combating stigma, the world can foster a positive change that needs understanding and support, which impacts the lives of individuals with mental health illnesses in a meaningful way.


Conclusion

Stigma and discrimination can be tough on individuals with mental health conditions, as they will continue living their lives without treatment. The negative impacts of stigma can degrade their quality of life and can cause self-isolation in the realm of reaching out for support and socializing. Mental health advocacy can foster a positive change for individuals with mental health conditions, as they can identify the significance of treatment and seek help because they will have exposure to support systems, effective care programs, and resources for treatment. By taking action and advocating for people with mental health conditions, it can support various groups or individuals that need understanding from peer networks to get better.



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