The Stereotypes Of Mental Health

People with mental health issues have been viewed and treated in a variety of ways within western society throughout time. Historically if an individual displayed behaviours which disrupted their function in society and defied social norms they were viewed as lunatics, insane or even cursed (Cowan, 2008; Elder & Evans & Nizette, 2009). It is from these past issues that many people still have unreasonable thoughts about mental illness; their misconceptions have created unreasonable fears and negative attitudes toward those who experience it. This negativity brings for many the barriers of not only

Mental health, by the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his/her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community” (“Mental health: a state of well-being,” 2014, Aug.) Mental illness is a medical condition caused by biological changes in the brain. Symptoms of a mental illness can include a change in a person’s thinking, altered mood or feelings, an incapability to relate to others, or having difficulty coping with ordinary demands of life (“Mental illness: What is mental illness?” 2014). A person’s mental illness is considered serious (as defined as federal regulations), when a person who is eighteen years or older has any psychiatric disorder, and the symptoms markedly hinder a person’s

Crazies, loonies, insane, disabled, idiots, nuts, and schizos are just some of the many derogatory terms used to refer to the mentally ill. Mental illness is pushed under the rug and is considered a taboo subject in today’s world. Many think that since you cannot physically see psychiatric disorders, they are not real. Some believe people claim to have a mental illness so they can act out or not take responsibilities for one’s actions. So, even though we as a society are at the height of our research of mental illnesses and now know more than before, why do we still ignore it? Why do we not take it seriously? Sadly many, many people have been affected by the lack of communication concerning mental illness, its causes, and treatment. One of

When my mom was first diagnosed with a mental illness, rumours and gossip spread quicker than wildfire. No one, not even my family and I, understood what was going on. All we saw was my mom acting like somebody else. “Crazy” became a word attached to her like a tail is attached to a dog. No matter who explained it or how many times it was explained many people could not see past their narrow views. It is common that people do not like what they do not understand. How can something be understood if it is not physical, not seen? There are many negative attitudes towards mental illness. It is misunderstood and is given less sympathy than a physical illness such as cancer. Often times when people are diagnosed with a mental illness they are automatically deemed crazy. We live in a time were normal is

The stigma of mental illness can sometimes make people feel embarrassed to be around, or to just stay as far away from people who suffer with such illness. In two studies in the UK with a ten year gap there was little change recorded in the statistics, ”over 80% endorsing the statement that “most people are embarrassed by mentally ill people”, and about 30% agreeing “I am embarrassed by mentally ill persons”’ (Huxley 1993). One such label to label such people is maniaphobia which means the fear of being mentally ill and the mentally ill which in some extreme cases could explain their situation and their possible fear. Which makes the peoples who are mentally ill or have mental illness are less likely to tell close family and friends which could help them understand their situation better. As well as help them get treatments or a diagnosis to help with peace of mind. Sometimes they are told but refuse to believe that such things exist or that they are weaker than others or selfish. The mentally ill sometimes stigmatize themselves, “there are numerous personal accounts of psychiatric illness, where shame overrides even the most extreme of symptoms,” (Peter Byrne). They feel like people won’t accept them or that they are somehow different so they lock it away and sometimes don’t

In fact, there still are many attitudes within most societies that view symptoms of mental disorders as threatening which frequently cause stigma towards people with mental health problems. Many stereotypes lead people to believe that people with mental health issues are violent, crazy & unpredictable. Those with mental illnesses are usually inaccurately accused of being downright lazy & weak, however, studies have worked to prove this myth untrue. According to Healthy People.gov, mental health is a state of successful mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Many would agree that mental health is vital to a productive, healthy

should be able to understand that everyone could go through a mental breakdown during their life and instead of keeping it to themselves, it’s better to be honest about it, accept their situation and ask for help. Having a mental issue is not something to be ashamed of or not taking it seriously. Some mental illness could start with very few signs and seems not a big deal, but if the person doesn’t do anything about it, it could turn to a real issue.

Mental illness is not shameful, but stigma is. The stigma of mental illness is driven by fear and lack of knowledge. The solution to ending this stigma is education to dispel fear and lead to a society which acts with compassion.

There are roughly around 400 million individuals, nationwide that suffer from a mental illness. Within the group of mentally ill individuals, there are several of them that are not being treated. One reason that effects individuals for seeking treatment is the stereotypes about mental ill which governs mentally healthy people’s judgement. Thus, harsh judgement from “normal” individuals affect the outcome for mentally ill seeking treatment. Not just mentally healthy individuals hold stereotypes, but mental health nurses tend to carry the same stereotypes that steer their perspective on mental patients. In the mental facilities, there are low rate of staff that have the appropriate requirement for taking care of mental patients. Several

People with depression are not given the same educational or job opportunities as their peers because depression is seen as an easily cured mental disease that occurs in mentally weak minds. In a recent study in the journal The Lancet, 79% of 1,082 adult participants with major depressive disorder felt they had felt discrimination in the workplace.11 As the statistic shows, stigma and bias still plays a significant role in denying jobs to people with depression. Employers often doubt their motivation and ability to perform in a working environment since companies do not want to hire people who are pessimistic or sad. Although a reasonable concern, judging another person’s ability work based on stereotypes of depression is not an accurate depiction

It is estimated that 43.5 million Americans, adults 18 or older, live with mental illness. This number represents 18.1% of all U.S. adults (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014). Stigma toward those who are seen as different have existed for as long as civilization itself, with the stigma for mental illness being one of the most prominent and long lasting that society has had to face throughout its ages (Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012). Increased understanding and awareness for those individuals suffering from mental illness is necessary for us to overcome the impacts stigma has on our society.

Negative attitude and stereotypes are often associated with mental illness rather than physical illness. This is because behavior and attitude are associated with the cognitive perspective of mind. So, the brain and mental processes are responsible for human understanding, beliefs, and attitudes. On the other hand, physical illnesses do not cause mental and cognitive symptoms rather they cause physical health-related symptoms. Explanation: Stereotypes associated with people suffering from mental problems: Some of the stereotypes associated with mental illness are that people with mental problems are dangerous, substance abuse and other similar disorders are self-inflicted, and people with mental problems are hard to talk to.

Mental health has been an issue for many people; it's something many people struggle with and it doesn't get as much recognition as it deserves. There are a lot of different types of mental health issues and they affect people differently. If not treated, a mental health issue can scar you for life and it can leave long lasting effects that would be better to prevent than to let them extend. People with mental health challenges have either suffered from a tragic event or it can be passed down by genes. Mental health often doesn’t get much recognition, because the damage can't be seen but there is damage being done. The way that you start thinking is affected by the things that are going on around

Roughly one in every five adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Yet, with that many people being affected, there is still a stigma surrounding mental illnesses. However common, it is not yet something people want to talk about. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they aren’t told that they aren’t getting better because they simply “aren’t trying hard enough.” Paraplegics aren’t called lazy because they can’t walk. Yet for some reason, people have no problem telling someone with depression that they should just “try harder” to be happy, or someone with ADHD that they are simply being lazy, and could focus if they wanted to. It is undeniable that mental health is something that we as a society don't like to talk about. Perhaps it is because it is something we simply don't yet understand.

Many people often have stereotypes or stigmas regarding mental illnesses. There is a general public stigma that is overall expressed by people who may not have full knowledge over the importance of mental health. When referring to the stigma, people will usually say that those with mental illnesses are irresponsible, should be cared for, or should be feared and kept out of the direct community. All of these stigmas having to do with mental illnesses are false. Many people with mental illnesses are able to hold stable jobs, graduate from high school and college, and even live as good neighbors in a community. By creating this stigma, people are adding to the everyday challenges that people with mental illnesses are going through. We should aim to educate and stop the prejudice that is brought about by those who are not fully aware of the importance of mental health.