"Psycho-Murderer on the Run; Ctazy Maniac Terrorizes the Neighborhood; "Mental Patient Escapes From A Psyctricatric Hospital.". At some point in time, most of us have read these types of headlines, heard the jokes about the crazies in the world. However, do people realize the harm associated with these words? It is time for our society to find ways to address these stigmas and stereotypes against the mentally ill and treat with dignity all persons, regardless of their mental health.
No matter what the name of the mental illness is, it doesn’t affect just the person who is sick; an entire family is affected. I have experienced this within my own family. The diagnosis of mental illness has brought many sleepless nights, tears of worry, sadness, and frustration; a helpless feeling because the problem can’t be fixed or made to go away. There is anger towards this horrible illness and, over the years, the anger grows as you see how it is affecting the person you love.
In my experience, the stigma of mental illness leaves a person open to being judged harshly, whispered and gossiped about, told both behind their back and to their face they are crazy, insane, or should be locked away for good. Many families of the ill are pitied or face anger from others for putting up with the person who is ill and their behavior. There are not so subtle comments made such as, "If she were a better mom, her child wouldn’t be so messed up." Or, "Why did they let her out of the psycho ward and how long will it be this time before she's locked up again?"
Comments such as these contribute to the ongoing labels, prejudices, and stigmas surrounding mental illness. The Mayo Clinic states that portraying mental illness in a negative manner reinforces and emphasizes the negative stigma associated with the mentally ill. A result of these types of words can prevent the public from understanding how such labels send messages of hurt and shame to those afflicted with mental illness. The continued use of negative depictions of mental illness reinforces stereotypes and opinions, resulting in the continuation of this stigma. There are many reasons stigmas persist against mental illnesses in today’s society. One is the expression "mental illness" implies this is not a valid health issue, whereas the term "physical illness" validates the sickness. Instead, some people believe it is a disorder brought on by an individual’s own choice of behavior. Our society has a tendency to find fault with individuals who are ill and many believe whatever the situation is it is "all in your head." There are those too who have a tendency to believe a psychological illness denotes weakness and lack of motivation. Mentally ill people are aware of the labels, stereotypes, and stigmas they are faced with on an ongoing basis and, after time, the ill tend to believe the negative attitudes society places on them. "Stigma discourages people from getting help when they need it. It dehumanizes individuals. It contributes to lack of investment in the mental healthcare system, with catastrophic costs and consequences" (NAMI. org).
When individuals suffer from mental illness, there is a tendency to label that person by their illness. When the word label is used as a general characterization, it most often leads to feelings of shame and disgrace, known as a stigma, in the person carrying the illness. Labels and accompanying stigma are toxic words to those who suffer. Most of us are aware of prejudice against groups based upon gender, ethnic background, and economic status. However, there is less public awareness of the discrimination that the ill face on a daily basis. Stigma, while not easily noticed, is real, hurtful, and damaging to everyone affected by mental illness. Research shows five main problems faced by those who carry the stigma of mental illness: 1) stigma prevents people from seeking medical services; 2) it hinders the ability to obtain jobs and promotions within the company; 3) it can lead to feelings of dread, doubt, and anxiety; 4) lead to racism and discrimination; and 5) the label of stigma is reflected in insufficient mental health insurance. In 1999 the Surgeon General stated, "Stigma is "the most formidable obstacle to future progress in the arena of mental illness and mental health. It dehumanizes individuals. It contributes to a lack of investment in the mental healthcare system, with catastrophic costs and consequences." (NAMI. org)
In order to help mend the pain of prejudice, labels, stereotypes, and stigmas, our society needs to stop perpetuating the belief that a person is their illness. The Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Nowhere in this statement does it hint or imply this right is only applicable to those who are deemed both mentally sound and physically healthy. It is long past time that society needs to address their responsibility for the stereotypes and stigmas that have continued through history. The time is now for individuals, groups, and society as a whole, to evaluate their words and actions towards the mentally ill. It is time we all begin to treat each individual, no matter the condition of his or her health, with the same respect and self-worth that all individuals are deserving of.
