The Social Stigma Associated with Mental Health Disorders

The problem of mental health stigma is very real in our society today; however, this is not a new problem. Since the beginning of recorded history there have been negative perceptions about people with mental illness: they have been labeled as evil or crazy for behavior that we now know is caused by chemical imbalances in their brains.

When I was first diagnosed with mental illness, I was shocked and ashamed. I am still ashamed to this day. The stigma associated with mental health disorders had always been a part of my life, but having it confirmed by a doctor and being told that there was nothing to be ashamed about just made me feel worse. I’d internalized the negative messages surrounding mental illness for so long that even when I knew that those ideas weren’t true, they still affected me deeply.

I realize now how important it is for us all to speak up about our experiences with mental health issues (whether as sufferers or allies), because every time we do so we take away some of the power from those who seek to stigmatize them. Together we can debunk myths and spread awareness of these conditions, which will hopefully lead more people with mental illness seeking help sooner rather than later.

Mental health disorders are not to be taken lightly. They can affect anyone, at any age and from any walk of life. However, the stigma associated with mental health disorders is often greater than the symptoms themselves. In this article, we will explore how this stigma arises, its impact on society as a whole and potential ways to overcome it.

What is stigma?

In the medical sense, stigma refers to a mark on the body that indicates something important about a person. For example, if you have a scar on your arm from surgery, then the scar is a stigma of your surgery. If someone were to ask you why you have that particular scar on your arm, you would say it’s because of surgery.

The more common definition of stigma refers to negative stereotyping or discrimination toward people who are perceived as being different from others in some way: for example race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion. A stigmatized person is one who has been marked as unfit for society because they are different from others in some way — either physically or mentally.

Where does this stigma come from?

The social stigma associated with mental health disorders is a complex issue. It involves labeling, stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice which prevent people with mental health disorders from interacting freely in society.

Researchers have found that the increased stigmatization of people with mental illness may be related to the fact that many members of society think that many people with mental illness are dangerous or violent. This could explain why some people will avoid those who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder out of fear for their own safety.

There are a number of reasons why this stigma exists, and they go beyond simple ignorance. First and foremost, people who suffer from mental health disorders have often been viewed as weak or crazy. The reason for this is that many mental health disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which can be difficult to understand even for those with medical knowledge. Additionally, because some individuals who suffer from mental health disorders may exhibit behavior that seems different than what we would consider “normal” or “acceptable” within society, these people can appear strange or frightening to others who do not know more about them and their condition.

What is the impact of the stigma?

Stigma has a lasting and harmful effect on people with mental health disorders. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help for those with mental health problems.

The results showed that stigma can cause people to avoid treatment, delay treatment, or stop treatment altogether due to fear of being labeled different or incompetent by society. It also leaves them vulnerable to isolation and exclusion from their communities, which can have a negative impact on their physical health as well as their mental wellbeing. Many participants said that they hide their condition from friends and family out of fear that they will be judged negatively because “mental illness” still carries a lot of stigma in our society today.

The WHO has found that only 20% of people who suffer from a mental disorder seek treatment, despite the fact that most illnesses are treatable or even curable. The WHO also reported that 50% of all disabilities are due to mental disorders and they have been ranked among the leading causes of disability in many countries around the world, including North America, Europe and Asia as well as Africa and South America.

The perceptions that people have about mental illnesses are often incorrect or exaggerated.

The social stigma associated with mental health disorders is a powerful and often destructive force. People who are suffering from these illnesses are less likely to seek help, as they fear being labeled as having a “negative” or “abnormal” personality (which is how society tends to view mental illness). The public perception of people with mental health disorders is also often incorrect or exaggerated. For example:

· The majority of people living with a mental health disorder will never commit violent crimes; in fact, they’re more likely than the general population to be victims of violent crime

· Only about 3%-5% of adults meet the criteria for substance abuse disorder in any given year; this means that 95% do not have this disorder at all.

How can we overcome this social stigma?

First, it’s important to educate yourself about mental health disorders. There are many resources online that can help you learn more about different conditions and their symptoms. Second, talk to your friends and family about the topic so they understand what it’s like for those who suffer from these disorders. Thirdly, if possible join a support group where you can meet people who are experiencing similar issues as you do. Finally, if necessary seek professional help from a therapist or psychologist so that you can get the treatment needed for your condition in order to lead a healthy life without being judged by others or feeling ashamed of yourself for having an illness that is out of your control.

The best way to fight the stigma associated with mental health disorders is by learning about it and starting an open dialogue. Sometimes, people feel uncomfortable talking about their mental health issues. But the more you talk about them, the more comfortable you become doing so. Your family and friends can help by listening to you and understanding how difficult it can sometimes be for those suffering from a disorder or disease.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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