Undoubtedly, human lives have changed a lot over the past couple of decades due to the advent of technology. However, despite technological advances and human’s approach to Mars, there are certain topics that are still considered a stigma in our society. Unfortunately, one such thing is mental health. Regardless of the development, visiting a psychiatrist is still considered taboo. Because of this reason, a significant number of people avoid talking about their mental health issues.
However, just like physical health issues, it’s normal for a person to suffer from mental illnesses.
On this note, today, we’re going to discuss some most common stigma or myths attached to mental health. Continue reading to know more!
What is Stigma?
Stigma is anything that involves negative behaviour attitude or discrimination against someone based on a specific characteristic that distinguishes them from others. For instance, treating someone different because they are of different sex, race, culture and religion.
Likewise, differentiating people on the basis of health conditions, mental illness or disability is also a type of stigmas. Compared to other health issues, unfortunately, stigmas related to mental illnesses are more common and they are quite negative.
A recent research showed that stigmas related to mental health greatly impact patient’s treatment. Because of the negative sentiment attached with psychological issues, a vast majority of patients are reluctant to visit a psychiatrist clinic for treatment.
Common Signs of Stigma Attached
Sadly, mental health issues are mostly portrayed negatively over the media and it further perpetuates it in the society. Some common depictions of these are:
- In movies, dramas or series, the villains are mostly people suffering from mental illness.
- People with psychological issues are shown as harmful stereotypes.
- Showcasing mental health issues as issues that one can easily overcome if they ‘try harder’ or just ‘snap out of it’.
- Use of phrases such as ‘she’s crazy’ or ‘he’s gone nuts’ to describe the behaviour of people with mental health issues.
- Common Halloween costumes depicting people with psychological issues as dangerous or violent.
These are just a few of things that people suffering with mental-health issues experience regularly. Even though people have become more informed nowadays regarding issues, the reality is still quite bitter.
Kinds of Stigmas Attached with Mental Health
The stigmas related to mental health issues can be divided broadly into two types and they are:
Self-Perceived Stigmas
These stigmas are mainly in the mind of the patient. Because of the health issues, the patients develop an internalized stigma related to their mental health. To break these redundant pattern, seek help from an experienced psychiatrist like Dr. Avery Grauer MD.
Social Stigmas
The way society treats people suffering from mental issues are included in the category of social stigmas. These stigmas generally include the prejudices people with mental issues have to face.
A study published in 2013 showed that the social stigma pertaining to mental health is widespread. Although many people have become aware of the issues these patients face, most still have a negative view of them.
Similarly, self-perceived stigma leads to feelings of self-hate and internalized shame for suffering from issues. Studies reveal that these feelings of self-hate lead to poor treatment outcomes.
The Impact of Stigmas Pertaining Issues
Stigmas or discrimination that people suffering from psychological illness have to face can be devastating. These stigmas usually portray the lack of understanding of people around these patients. This directly induces a feeling of invalidation, pain, fear, anger and intolerance towards others in the patients.
People who face stigma are more likely to go through:
- Delaying in treatment, which can lead to serious consequences.
- Social rejection, isolation and avoidance.
- Reluctance to seek medical aid
- Poor understanding by their friends or family.
- Harassment, violence and even bullying.
- Have increasing feelings of shame and self-doubt.
Experts believe that the stigma surrounding issues is what makes it extremely difficult for people suffering from it to seek help. However, if not treated on time, these diseases can worsen leading to further complications.
Therefore, if you or a loved one is facing psychological issues immediately seek medical aid. Seeing the best psychologist in Dubai in time can greatly help you in overcoming issues easily.
Remember that stigmas can cause people to doubt their self-worth and capabilities. It even causes feelings of shame and isolation. Therefore, if you or anyone near you is going through a hard time, it’s imperative to see a therapist immediately.
