Understanding the Impact of Stigma on Mental Health
When I was little, I watched a movie that had a "bipolar patient". His disorder caused him to have a good and a bad side. The good side was the side everyone knew while the bad side was the side that was the killer. I then had a preformed notion that bipolar disorder was characterized by having two sides - a dangerous side and a good side. It was years later that I bothered to fact-check for myself. This was good because I learned that bipolar disorder really wasn't like that. What it meant was just that individuals were subject to uncontrollable mood changes (mania and depression), to put it simply.
I present this story to you because there is a problem with the way the media and society have presented mental health to us. This misinformation makes us unknowingly reject help when affected or refuse to help those who struggle.
What is Stigma?
A stigma is a negative attitude or idea about a mental, physical, or social feature of a person or group of people that implies social disapproval. The American Psychological Association defines stigma as a major concern because it can lead to poor treatment of groups of people, impaired mental and physical health of those groups, and other negative effects such as discrimination, shame, and isolation. Unfortunately, people with mental illness often stigmatize themselves, known as self-stigma. Other types of stigma include structural and social stigma. Stigma can hinder trust and effective relationships between healthcare providers and patients, essential for proper care. It also leads to underfunding and neglect of mental health services in society.
The Effects of Stigma
Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. Here are some statistics that highlight the impact:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that the average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. That means if someone begins experiencing major depression at 14, they are unlikely to receive help until age 25. This is too long considering that physical conditions get treated early because they are considered as a “normal thing” in society.
A study by Ahad et al. (2023) revealed that stigma causes delays in seeking treatment, worsens health outcomes, and reduces the quality of life for individuals with mental health issues.
How do you fit into the picture? What difference can you make to stop stigmatization? You can become aware and informed and educate those around you. Your increased awareness also makes you better equipped to help and support those around you or even help yourself if you are a mental health warrior right now. This is why I have highlighted 20 common myths below. More will be discussed in the next post.
Common Myths
Many mental health myths contribute to stigma and misunderstanding. Here are some common ones, along with the truth to help dispel these misconceptions:
Myth: Mental health problems are rare.
Truth: Mental health issues are quite common. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.
Myth: People with mental health conditions are violent or dangerous.
Truth: Most people with mental health conditions are not violent. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
Myth: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness.
Truth: Mental health conditions are not a result of personal weakness or lack of character. They are medical conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of their strength or resilience.
Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Truth: Children can and do experience mental health issues. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD can affect children and adolescents.
Myth: People with mental health conditions cannot recover.
Truth: With the right treatment and support, many people with mental health conditions can and do recover. Recovery is a process, and many individuals lead fulfilling lives.
Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time.
Truth: Therapy and self-help strategies can be very effective for many people. They can provide tools and support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Myth: Mental health issues are not real medical conditions.
Truth: Mental health conditions are real and can have a significant impact on a person's life. They are recognized by medical professionals and can be diagnosed and treated.
Myth: You can just "snap out of" a mental health condition.
Truth: Mental health conditions are not something people can simply "snap out of." They often require professional treatment and support, just like physical health conditions.
Myth: People with mental health conditions can't work.
Truth: Many people with mental health conditions are able to work and excel in their careers. With appropriate accommodations and support, they can be productive and successful.
Myth: Mental health issues are caused by bad parenting.
Truth: While family environment can influence mental health, mental health conditions are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Myth: Mental illness is a punishment from God.
Truth: James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Myth: Mental illness is contagious.
Truth: Mental health conditions are not contagious. They cannot be spread from person to person through contact or proximity. While there is a genetic component to them, they are not contagious.
Myth: Depression is just sadness and can be overcome by positive thinking.
Truth: Depression is a serious medical condition involving persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. It often requires professional treatment, including therapy and medication.
Myth: Anxiety disorders are not real; they are just an excuse to avoid stressful situations.
Truth: Anxiety disorders are real and can be debilitating. They involve excessive fear or worry and can interfere with daily activities. Treatment often includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Myth: People with schizophrenia have multiple personalities.
Truth: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, and behaviors. It does not involve multiple personalities. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Myth: Bipolar disorder is just mood swings and is not a serious condition.
Truth: Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, including manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes. It is a serious condition that can significantly impact a person's life and requires medical treatment.
Myth: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is just about being overly clean or organized.
Truth: OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels compelled to perform. It is not just about cleanliness or organization and can be very distressing.
Myth: Panic attacks can be fatal.
Truth: Panic attacks are extremely distressing and can cause symptoms like a racing heartbeat and shortness of breath, but they are not fatal. However, they can feel very intense and frightening.
Myth: Only people without friends need therapists.
Truth: Therapy provides professional support that friends and family may not be equipped to offer. It is beneficial for anyone needing help with mental health issues, regardless of their social support network.
Myth: Mental health problems are permanent.
Truth: Many people with mental health conditions can and do recover with appropriate treatment and support. Recovery is a process, and many individuals can manage their symptoms effectively. When someone is cured of an illness, it means it’s gone forever. However, some illnesses, like diabetes, can’t be cured and last a lifetime. With proper medication and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes can still live long, healthy lives. Similarly, mental illnesses have no cure, but effective treatments are available. With these treatments, individuals with mental illnesses can recover and lead long, healthy lives.
Positive Language Matters
The language we use when talking about mental health and people affected by it plays a significant role in either perpetuating stigma or fostering understanding and acceptance. Avoid negative or judgmental language, such as body-shaming comments like "you are fat" or labelings like "she is crazy." Instead, use positive and supportive language that respects and acknowledges the individual's experience.
How Can We Combat Stigma?
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about mental health conditions from reputable sources and share this information with others to dispel myths and stereotypes.
Support and Encourage: Offer support to those who may be struggling with mental health issues. Encourage them to seek professional help and be there for them without judgment.
Advocate for Positive Language: Promote the use of respectful and non-judgmental language when discussing mental health. Correct others when you hear stigmatizing language.
Challenge Media Misrepresentation: Speak out against inaccurate portrayals of mental health in media. Support media that provides accurate and compassionate representations.
I recently watched a Nigerian movie that focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences and their aftermath, and it was clear that the creators had conducted thorough research and aimed to raise awareness. I also came across a Nigerian series that beautifully portrayed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in children, highlighting the importance of having counselors in primary and secondary schools. These examples show that Nigeria, along with the rest of the world, is making progress in mental health awareness due to the efforts of many. You too can contribute by applying what you've learned from this blog and sharing it with others.
Conclusion
Stigma is a significant barrier to mental health care that we must address collectively. By educating ourselves, supporting others, advocating for positive language, and challenging media misrepresentation, we can create a more understanding and supportive society for everyone affected by mental health conditions.
References
Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: a Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549
Cultural Context and Misconceptions About Mental Health in Nigeria. (2024). Nigerian Bulletin. https://nigerianbulletin.com/ams/cultural-context-and-misconceptions-about-mental-health-in-nigeria.2232/
Gillison, D. (2022). Early Intervention Can Save Lives. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/from-the-ceo/early-intervention-can-save-lives/
Jamison, K. R. (2006). The many stigmas of mental illness. The Lancet, 367(9509), 533–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(06)68187-7
Kumar, R. (2024). Only people without friends need therapists. Medanta - the Medicity. https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/only-people-without-friends-need-therapists
Labinjo, T., Serrant, L., Ashmore, R., & Turner, J. (2020). Perceptions, attitudes and cultural understandings of mental health in Nigeria: a scoping review of published literature. Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 23(7), 606–624. https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/187620/
Mental_Health_Myths_Resource_2023.pdf (mentalhealth.org.uk) Mental Health America. (2024). Is mental illness curable? MHA Screening. https://screening.mhanational.org/content/mental-illness-curable/
Naija, C. (2023). Psychiatry and the Stigma of Mental Illness in Nigeria. Professions in Nigeria. https://professions.ng/stigma-of-mental-illness-in-nigeria/
Newman, T. (2020). 11 myths about mental health. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-mental-health-misconceptions#7.-Addiction-is-a-lack-of-willpower
SAMHSA. (2023). Mental Health Myths and Facts. Www.samhsa.gov; SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/myths-and-facts
Sartorius, N. (2007). Stigma and mental health. The Lancet, 370(9590), 810–811. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(07)61245-8
UNICEF. (2024). Busted: 7 myths about mental health. Www.unicef.org; UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/busted-7-myths-about-mental-health
Villines, Z. (2020). Can you die from a panic attack? Research and what to do. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-die-from-a-panic-attack#long-term-health
World Health Organization. (2001). The World Health Report 2001: Mental Disorders affect one in four people. Www.who.int; WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2001-the-world-health-report-2001-mental-disorders-affect-one-in-four-people
Perfect writing 👏🏾👏🏾
ReplyDeleteThat's such a beautiful remark. Thank you so much.
DeleteWell-done Tomi
ReplyDeleteI started learning about mania recently and I must say, I was initially misinformed.
Thank you for this beautiful piece♥️
Oh, it is my pleasure. Thank you for engaging. I am glad to know that you made effort to be rightly informed. For that I say thank you, Dorcas. As much as possible, please try to educate others around you, too.
ReplyDelete