History of Mental Illness
The stigma and negative perceptions of mental illness can be traced back though history. People with behavioral or mental disorders were once considered ''mad'' or ''crazy'', and were sometimes executed because their behavior was believed to be immoral and criminal. Once asylums were established, people could be deemed mad and locked up for disagreeing with societal norms. Women of the Victorian era could be committed for cheating on their husbands, which was considered ''moral insanity,'', and women experiencing postpartum depression and even epilepsy were sometimes put in asylums as well. Even longer ago, some believed that mental illness was caused by possession by a devil or demon. In Ancient Mesopotamia people prayed and used mystical energies and stones to try to exorcise the demons.
Unfortunately, this mindset seems to have bled into the present. Behavioral issues are believed to be imagined, or an indication of a lack of self-control. That if the illness is not something that can be seen - like a broken arm - then it must not exist.
Types of Mental Illness
Alcoholism is a type of mental illness
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Let's take a closer look at a few different types of mental illness and the negative perceptions and social stigmas associated with them.
- Depression
- Bi-Polar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Bulimia and anorexia
- Tourette Syndrome
All of these have been considered mental illnesses, and all of them carry a stigma. People with mental illnesses are sometimes perceived as being volatile, though most of these illnesses do not even have this as a symptom. Nonetheless, when working with someone who has a mental illness, it is important to note that many still believe they are likely to hurt others. The lack of education on these illnesses and what they mean for those who have them has created stereotypes and discrimination.
The stigma of depression
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Social and Perceived Stigmas
Social Stigma - Social stigma refers to the issues that people with mental illnesses deal with from others. Homosexuality, for example, was once considered a mental illness and was strongly socially stigmatized, though it has grown to be more widely accepted. Unfortunately, the families of those with mentally illnesses are often responsible for perpetuating these stigmas. People who have a sibling, parent, or child that struggles with depression are sometimes the first to judge them negatively for it.
Perceived Stigma - A perceived stigma is what a person with mental illness believes others think of them. This stigma can actually be more damaging than social stigmas because they are more likely to cause the patient to stop taking their medications, avoid the doctor, or shy away from asking for help. Going without treatment only draws out the healing process and can even exacerbate the underlying illness.
Lesson Summary
Mental illness still carries distorted, negative connotations. Much like stereotypes, a social stigma exists that those with mental or behavioral illnesses may be considered dangerous. This can put their livelihood, living situation, and relationships at risk. A perceived stigma can be even worse, because it can make the person who is struggling reticent to seek help or stay on their regimen of medication for fear of what they believe others think about them.
It is important to remember that mental illness is a physical illness and cannot be believed or willed away. Just like someone with a heart condition, a person with bipolar disorder or major depression needs help to feel better.
