Posts Tagged ‘Mental Health Stigmas’
These days it has been despite the increase in publicity surrounding mental health and mental health issues, which is still a lack of understanding about mental health in general. The definition of stigma is a mark of shame or disgrace. Stigma begins when someone is labeled. In the case of a mental health condition, very hurtful words can be hurled at a sufferer, like psycho or schizo. As in football a ground, the person uttering such foul words is creating a tribal division between his perceived ‘superior’ group and the sufferer’s perceived inferior, devalued’ group. However, that seeking mental health counseling carries a stigma for many that is unfortunate for them. In fact, Human Resource Administrators report that out of all employers sponsored health plans, mental health benefits are the most underutilized.
Some harmful effects of stigma which is to pretending nothing is wrong, refusal to seek treatment, rejection by family and friends, work problems or discrimination, difficulty in finding housing so the list goes on. Mostly people with mental health problems will often feel isolated and rejected and too afraid to share their problems with others purely because of the way they might be perceived. This lack of understanding means they are less likely to get the kind of help and support they need and are in danger of slipping even further into depression and mental illness. By receiving mental health care can help you function more productively, improve how they feel about themselves and contribute to society, which benefits us all.