Introduction
Having a chronic illness or condition and being different from the general population subjects a person to possible stigmatization by those who do not have the illness (Joachim & Acron, 2000). In this paper I will explore two consequences of Chronic illness- Sigma, discrimination and low self-esteem.
Stigma is a negative stereotype. For persons with mental illness, stigma is one of the greatest barrier to complete and satisfying life. Mentally ill individuals are seen as being dangerous, violent and unpredictable. As a result of this view, the mentally ill are stereotyped, discriminated against, refused health insurance, jobs and independent living in pursuit of goals, difficulty keeping friends and even family members which
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Internalized stigma has been associated with a number of negative outcomes, including increased depression, avoidant coping, social avoidance, decreased hope and self-esteem (Drapalski, et al., 2013). This results in persons wondering if because of these negative self-concept and ineffective coping, the mentally challenged inadvertently internalize stigma. In an article entitled, ‘A model of Internalized Stigma and Its effect on People with Mental illness’ by Drapalski et. al., publish in the Psychiatric Services, March 2013 volume 64, issue 3, it aimed to examine the prevalence of internalized stigma among individuals with serious mental illness. This article revealed that of the 100 participants’ age ranging between 18 -80 years, and being diagnosed with some form of mental condition as a inclusion criteria to the study, thirty-five percent (35%)of the participants reported moderate to severe levels of internalized stigma, whilst forty-six percent (46%) reported mild levels of internalized stigma. However internalized stigma was significantly associated with greater symptom severity, representing a p-value of 0.01 and lower self-esteem with identical p-value representing that of statistical significant. It has been theorized that sigma is harmful to the self-esteem of persons with mental illness as these individuals are continuously being stigmatized leaving the mentally ill to have negative feeling of self. So it leaves one …show more content…
(2013, March). A Model of Internalized Stigma and Its Effects on People With Mental Illness. Psychiatric Services, 64(3), 264-269. Retrieved July 11, 2015, from http://ps.psychiatryonline.org
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Legislation in New Zealand such as The Human Rights Act 1993, section 21 and the Employment Rights Act 1997 are in place to prohibit the discrimination on the grounds of mental illness in areas such as housing, training, education and employment. The incidence of stigma and discrimination in these areas is however still continuing to be an issue for those with a mental illness. It has become apparent through large amounts of research that most incidences of stigma and discrimination are usually reported through research studies and surveys (Peterson & Barnes & Duncan 2008; Newell & Gournay, 2000). El-Badri & Mellsop (2007) suggest that most research on stigma tends to center on attitudes and beliefs of the public and how they view those with a mental illness. Much less emphasis on research has involved the personal experience, self-stigma and quality of life of the person with the illness and how they fit within the community. Badri & Mellsop's (2007) study Stigma and quality of life as experienced by
Self-pity and pessimistic attitudes remain a topic of discussion with a mentally ill patient, however the more valuable picture revolves around the stigma that the public holds towards those with a mental illness. Unrun Ozer, member of International Committee of National Journal Editors, acknowledges that, “Stigmatization is described as attributing someone in a way that would decrease the person’s reputation because the individual strays away from the general norms of the society” ( 225). Ozer clarifies that a stigma is an unfavorable viewpoint that society has on someone that is perceived as different. Those with a mental illness are susceptible to vulnerability because they are at a small disadvantage than the normal person. Negative connotations, such as adverse viewpoints and perplexing labels, affect the care and treatment process of those suffering because their compliance to treatment decreases. Society is too quick to judge and be ignorant if someone isn’t in perfect form, and Ozer reports, “ It has been reported that individuals with mental illnesses are seen by the society as dangerous, frightening, unstable, irresponsible, unpredictable, and having communication problems” (Ozer 225). Ozer declares that these labels are degrading to an individual with a mental illness, and cause feelings of introversion, decreased self-confidence, worthlessness, shame and despair. If we want happiness to be achievable for all, then criticizing individuals is a step in the wrong
In this article, Patrick J. Corrigan, Scott B. Morris, Patrick W. Michaels, Jennifer D. Rafacz, and Nicolas Rüsch discuss various approaches to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental
Individuals’ cultural values contribute to the how they view themselves and react to life circumstances. In the mental health field, negative self-stigma among clients occurs commonly and can lead to poor health. When suffering this affliction, patients internalize negative beliefs, which they apply to how they view themselves. As a result, nurses who encounter self-stigmatized patients might note depression, low self-esteem, poor quality of life and limited care plan participation.
While stigma may not necessarily be a cause of a person’s mental disorder, it can certainly contribute to the complication and perpetuation of their illness. The effect of stigma goes well beyond just the patient and provides a commentary on society’s overall level of intolerance of those who are considered different from the majority. By recognizing the level of stigma that exists, perhaps we can alter that behavior and gravitate towards a more productive attitude towards mental illness.
(Body Paragraph: General Information on self-devaluation) Now that we are better able to comprehend self-stigma we can focus on the affects that impact patients’ lives negatively. It is imperative to note that the discrimination of schizophrenic persons gives birth to self-devaluation. With that said, schizophrenic persons who experience discrimination in his or her life will feel distant from society, similar to being an outcast or a black sheep. This may be the reason why self-stigma generates lower self-esteem and lower self-efficacy which drastically lowers quality of life. In addition, self-devaluation leads to a decreased readiness to change and an increased declination of treatment within the behavior of patients. By increasing our knowledge on the subject and increasing awareness we can combat internalized stigma.
Being the victim of stigma typically reduces a person’s sense of dignity; marginalizes affected individuals; violates basic human rights; markedly diminishes the chances of a stigmatized person of achieving full potential; and seriously hampers pursuit of happiness and contentment. (Combating the Stigma of Mental Disorder A Position Paper from the EFPSA Social Impact Task Force, 2014 pg 2) People with mental health problems experience prejudice and discrimination in almost every aspect of their lives. Many claim that the discrimination of society is more disabling than the illness itself. In a survey of approximately 500 people, given a diagnosis of schizophrenia and carried out by the independent 'Inquiry into the "Schizophrenia" label in 2012, more than 80 percent of participants agreed that the actual diagnosis of the illness made their living more difficult, 88 percent said they thought the public associated schizophrenia with violence. Studies have illustrated that prejudice and discrimination against people with a diagnosis of mental illness are common all over the world. For example, more than 700 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 27 different countries were interviewed as part of INDIGO, a research study carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry , King's College London, in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association’s Global Program Against Stigma and Discrimination because of Schizophrenia. The results of this study revealed, 72 per cent of those interviewed said they felt the need to conceal their diagnosis, 64 percent said the anticipation of discrimination stopped them applying for work, training or education program and 55 percent said it stopped them looking for a close relationship. (Combating the Stigma of Mental
Stigma has been said to be “a feeling of being negatively differentiated owing to a particular condition, group membership or state in life”(Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012, p. 458). There are typically two types of mental illness stigma that are discussed. Public stigma, also known as societal stigma, is the stigma associated with the prejudicial attitudes the public holds towards those people who suffer from mental illness (Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012; Corrigan, Markowitz, Watson, Rowan & Kubiak, 2003). Self-stigma, also known as internalized stigma, is the loss of self-esteem, withdrawal, and personal shame that some with mental illness will experience. Self-stigma is usually developed when those who suffer from mental illness associate the negative stereotypes the public holds with themselves (Chronister, Chou, & Lieo, 2013; Corrigan et al., 2003).
Prejudice results in discrimination toward individuals based on their group membership, regardless of their personal characteristics. Like members of other stigmatized and marginalized groups, people with a mental illness often experience prejudice resulting in increased lower quality of life. (Koenig and Eagly, 2014). The article studied is titled Gendered Mental Disorders: Masculine and Feminine Stereotypes About Mental Disorders and Their Relation to Stigma by Guy Boysen, Ashley Erbersole, Robert Casner and Nykhala Coston was written for The Journal of Social Psychology and McKendree University. The research founded indicated that stereotypes could intersect, especially when it comes to mental disorders and gender. Three studies were conducted;
It refers to the attitudes and beliefs of the public towards persons with mental health challenges. Self-stigma is when a person suffering from a mental illness believes the negative views about themselves which can result in suffering from low self-esteem and despair. Self-stigma causes a person to turn against themselves; by internalizing negative beliefs, an individual suffering from a mental illness experiences feelings that keep them from seeking social support, or treatment for their condition.
In most societies, individuals view mental health as threatening and intimidating. This perspective often develops into a stigma, or stereotype, towards people who suffer from mental health illnesses (Davey, 2013). There are two types of mental health stigma. The first being social stigma, which is when society becomes prejudice or discriminatory towards an individual who has been labeled with a mental illness (Link et al., 1989). The second type of mental health stigma is self-stigma or perceived stigma. Self-stigma refers to an individual suffering with a mental illness portraying negative feelings upon themselves, because of the awareness of stereotypes against mental illnesses. Both social stigma and self-stigma can lead to poor treatment outcomes (Perlick et al., 2001).
There are many stigmas, or misconceptions and misperceptions in our society which need to be shattered. I believe that one of the worse possible effects of stigma is that it causes those affected by psychological disorders, or mental illness, to crawl more deeply into themselves because it provokes a sense of shame. Stigma thrusts those suffering with mental illness into a sense of isolation, social exclusion, and discrimination. “Stigma can lead to discrimination … It may be obvious or direct … Or it may be unintentional or subtle…” (Staff). Stigma is often as big as the illness itself and I confess to having been a perpetuator of this dreaded thing, although not consciously aware and without the intent of furthering the harm of someone.
Mental health and its stigma are an important issue plaguing today’s society. Many do not understand or acknowledge the severity of mental illness. The stigma against mental
Mental illness stigma is more prevalent than discrimination. As noted before, stigma is the biggest barrier facing people suffering from mental illness. When a person is judged looking at the disease he or she is suffering, then that person is part of a stigmatized group (Tzouvara & Papadopoulos, 2014). A person who faces stigma is likely to experience shame, a sense of hopelessness, or feeling of being misrepresented. This research paper will seek to suggest some of the ways of overcoming stigmatization,
Every human is born with his own uniqueness but sometimes this uniqueness can be bugged by a tragic mental illness. This mental illness can push the victim into the gloom of non-ending stigma. Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace and discredit, which sets a person apart from others. (Byrne, 2000). Moreover, Stigma occurs when a person has some distinctive characteristics or personal trait which gives other people an opportunity to perceive negative thoughts about that particular person with typical characteristics besides; negative attitude and false belief towards people with mental illness are common. As a result of stigmatization these people prefer staying alone and bound themselves in the darkness of isolation.