Consumers' Experiences of Stigma - Essay Example

?Consumers' Experiences of Stigma Introduction Pande (2009) cites that mental disorder is a common in the world today. Research indicates that thousands of people are affected by mental illness in Australia and the world at large. It affects everyone, the young, and the old, the rich and the poor. A study has shown that one person in every four people is likely to experience a mental health problem at one point or another in their life (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.6). World statistics also show that one in every ten children, in the world, today suffer from mental health disorders. The same research also found out that at least 450 million people in the world suffer from mental health problems (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.6). Another research also established that at least one in every 12 people suffer from depressive disorders. Like any other disease, a majority of those suffering from mental health disorders are capable of recovering fully when subjected to the right treatment and management and live a normal life like any other person. However, this is only possible when such people are helped at early stages. However, since people with mental illnesses cannot make rational decisions regarding their life, it is important that they receive the best care and physical and moral support from friends and families to enable them manage their health conditions. Nevertheless, research indicates that a majority of those experiencing mental health problems tend to experience strong social stigmatization from those who help them manage their health conditions because of their mental status. Byrne (2000) defines stigma as a sign, discredit, or disgrace, which separates a person from the rest. In other words, stigma is the negative view of someone based on his or her condition or status. Stigma is always accompanied by discrimination, since those who are experiencing stigma experience discrimination at the same time. Stigmatization is not good as everyone irrespective of mental status need equal treatment from others (Pande 2009). This is because stigmatization is likely to worsen the condition of the person thereby hindering recovery. Research has also shown that stigmatization of people with mental illness has many effects on the person being stigmatized (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.8). This paper will explore the sources and effects of stigma for people experiencing mental health problems. To begin with, Corrigan and Watson (2002, p.16) argues that patients with mental disorders suffer doubly. This is because whereas they struggle to cope with the symptoms and disabilities occasioned by their health status, they also face the challenge of stigmatization that results from misconception regarding their mental illnesses. Research indicates that stigmatization effects adversely affects people with mental illness and acts as one of the chief barriers to their recovery process. Study has also shown that stigmatization against people with mental illnesses is real in the society (Thompson and Thompson 1997, p.6). This is after a research found out that millions of people with mental disorders experience stigmatization. The research found out that close to nine out of ten individuals with mental health disorders reported having been stigmatized and discriminated because of their mental health problems. Such people also reports having suffered negative consequences as a result of stigma and discrimination. To make matters worse, Coubrough (2008) also found out that stigma is being extended even to those taking care of people with mental health problems. As a result, this has made people shy away from taking care of people with mental health disorders. During the research, Coubrough (2008) noted that stigma originated mainly from immediate family members of the mentally challenged, which stood at 36%. This was followed by employers at 35%, 31% from neighbors while friends posted the least at 25% (Coubrough 2008). This is a clear indication that the mentally challenged are being stigmatized at different spheres in their lives. Findings show that people experiencing mental illness are stigmatized mainly due to the misconception that the society has regarded mental illnesses (Holmes, and River 1998, p.231). Generally, society is always uncomfortable with mental illnesses as some societies see it as a curse to the person with mental disorders. This makes people avoid associating with people with mental illnesses. Stigmatization also comes from the fact that many people associate mental illness with weak character according to Thompson and Thompson (1997, p.6). As a result, people with mental illnesses are viewed dangerous and capable of causing harm to anyone around them. This belief is hard to dispute because people suffering from serious mental illnesses are not able to make rational judgments and sometimes appear dangerous and can cause harm to people around them, as well as property (Coubrough 2008). This kind of behavior associated with mental illness tends to make people isolate themselves from people with mental illnesses, thereby, resulting in stigmatization. Wahl (1999, p.467) argues that culture also plays a big role as far as stigmatization of people with mental illness is concerned. As earlier stated, there are certain cultures that associate mental illness with the devil and negative things in society. Some see mental illness as a curse to the mentally challenged that should be isolated from the rest of society. This has been witnessed among many African and Asian countries where mental illnesses are associated with the devil (Wahl 1999, p.467). Some cultures believe that mental sickness can be transferred from one individual to another. As a result, such cultures tend to stigmatize people with mental illnesses by isolating them from the rest of society. In fact, some end up hiding the mentally challenged from the public for fear of being associated with a mentally challenged in the society. Effects of stigma Holmes and River (1998, p.231) reveal that the stigma of people with mental health problems remains a serious social problem in the world and Australia, in particular. However, research indicates that the mentally challenged suffer serious consequences due to stigma. One such is the fact that stigma and discrimination worsen their mental health status thereby impeding their recovery process, notes Holmes, and River (1998, p.233). For instance, those who are stigmatized because of their mental health status tend to face social exclusion from the society. This is because some people view them as not being unworthy of their company. Others perceive them as very dangerous people who need to be avoided; therefore, the only way to be safe is to avoid the mentally challenged. As a result, the mentally challenged end up staying alone, which only worsens their mental health problems. In fact, study conducted by Coubrough (2008) showed that a majority of the mentally challenged do not end up on the street out of choice but because of stigmatization and social exclusion. This has been witnessed even in Australia where stigmatization has forced some mentally challenged to end up in streets as observed by Wahl (1999, p.467). However, some families relieve themselves of the mentally challenged by taking them to a rehabilitation center where others can take care of them. As earlier stated, statistics has shown that about 35% of the mentally challenged are stigmatized by employers. As a result, people with mental illnesses find it hard getting jobs because of stigmatization. At the same time, findings show that many employers end up terminating the services of the mentally challenged immediately they realize that person is experiencing mental health problems (Danes 2012). This is because they view such people as not being able to reason and make rational decisions. This ends up in stigmatization and finally termination of services. Some employers, however, view people with mental health problems as dangerous individuals who ought not to be allowed to mix with the rest of the workers. However, Danes (2012) noted that what such employers fail to understand is that people with mental illnesses can recovery from their illnesses just like any other person if given enough financial and moral support. In addition to difficulties in finding jobs, people experiencing mental health problems also find it hard getting adequate housing, health insurance, and loans. Research indicates that they are denied these important services merely because of their mental health problems (Holmes, and River 1998, p.233). Some of the mentally challenged cites having been denied housing as the house owner considered him dangerous and unable to reason well as reported by Wahl (1999, p.467). With regard to loan, one person who had at one time applied for a loan was denied the loan because the bank considered him not unworthy of credit based on his mental health problems. The same also applies to health insurance, which people with mental health problems have found hard getting. Corrigan (2000, p.48) notes that the stigma of the mentally challenged also impacts on their relationships. Many people with mental illnesses report finding it hard staying in a relationship. This is because of the misconception people have over their mental health problems. Research shows that a majority of the mentally challenged are not married (Corrigan 2000, p.48). This is because of divorce or relationship breakups that results immediately a partner discovers that his or her partner is experiencing mental health problems. In this regard, stigma has been cited as the main reason for the divorces and relationship breakups. Corrigan (2000, p.49) noted that some partners are forced to break up their relationships with the mentally challenged in order not to be stigmatized by the rest of society. This is because people tend to stigmatize the mentally challenged plus their family members according to Byrne (1997, p.619). As such, the only way out is to break the relationship so as to avoid being discriminated against people in the community. Bullying, harassments and physical violence have also been cited by many people experiencing mental health problem as another challenge they face because of being stigmatized. In this regard, Byrne (1997, p.619) reveals that many people experiencing mental health problems tend to suffer from harassment and bullying at the hands of those expected to take care of them as noted by Knifton (2002, p.288). Some end up being beaten up by their friends and families because of a misunderstanding. Others end up being isolated from the rest of the public by being closed up in a room so as not to move out. All these forms of violence are mutilated on the mentally challenged merely based on the misconceptions that their friend and family members have over them. Knifton (2002, p.288) argues that this is the reason why certain human rights and disability organizations are advocating for fair treatment for people with disabilities. This is because, like any other person, the mentally challenged also play a role in society. Furthermore, disability is not inability and, therefore, everyone should be treated equally regardless of their health status. Conclusion It is true that many people in the world experience mental health problems. However, it came out that apart from struggling with their disabilities; they also suffer a lot from the effects of the stigma that hampers their recovery process. This is because research showed that a majority of people with mental health illnesses are being stigmatized in the society. The stigmatization is caused mainly by the misconception that people have over mental health illnesses. It has been noted that some people associate mental illnesses with a curse while others view the mentally challenged as dangerous in society thereby resulting in stigma. However, stigma is not a good thing as it only worsens the health condition of the person being stigmatized. At the same time, it leads to social exclusion accompanied by denial of vital things in life, which is a violation of human rights. Therefore, it is very important for people to be enlightened on why it is not right to stigmatize people with mental illness. This can be done with the aid of the government and other human rights organization by conducting intensive campaigns aimed at enlightening people on the importance of providing the necessary support both financial and moral to those experiencing mental health problems. Doing this will certain reduce the rate of stigma on the mentally challenged as indicated by the statistics. The elimination of stigma will help the mentally challenge cope up with the disability thereby improving the recovery process. References Byrne, P. (1997), Psychiatric stigma: past, passing and to come. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 90, 618–620. Byrne, P. (2000), Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it. http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/6/1/65.full (Accessed 11 March 2013). Corrigan, P.W., & Watson, M.C. (2002), Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1): 16–20. Corrigan, P.W. (2000), Mental health stigma as social attribution: implications for research methods and attitude change. Clin Psychol Sci Pract. 7:48–67. Coubrough, A. (2008), Stigma attached to mental health problems. Nursing Times.net. http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/stigma-attached-to-mental-health-problems/1790099.article (Accessed 11 March 2013). Danes, C. (2012), It's time to tackle mental health stigma in our classrooms. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/nov/16/mental-health-stigma-classroom (Accessed 11 March 2013). Holmes, P. & River, L. P. (1998), Individual strategies for coping with the stigma of severe mental illness. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 5, 231–239. Knifton, L. (2002), Understanding and addressing the stigma of mental illness with ethnic minority communities. Health Sociology Review. School of Applied Social Science, University of Strathclyde, Scotland, UK, PP: 287 – 298. http://hsr.e-contentmanagement.com/archives/vol/21/issue/3/article/4836/understanding-and-addressing-the-stigma-of-mental (Accessed 11 March 2013). Pande, A. (2009), Mental health related stigma reduces access to existing services. http://www.modernghana.com/news/243311/1/mental-health-related-stigma-reduces-access-to-exi.html (Accessed 11 March 2013). Thompson, M. & Thompson, T. (1997), Discrimination Against People with Experiences of Mental Illness. Wellington: Mental Health Commission. Wahl, O.F. (1999), Mental health consumers' experience of stigma. Schizophr Bull. 25:467–478. PubMed. Read More