Misconseptions and stigma surrounding mental illness










Misconceptions about mental health 




Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their Illness  they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination.

How we can fight stigma : 




- talk openly about mental illness 

- Educate yourself and other about mental illness 

- be conscious of your language regarding mental health don't use words like phyco or lunatic  

- Encourage equality in how people view mental illness 

- Stop the criminalization of those who live with mental illness 

- show compassion and empathy for those living with mental illness

- see the person, not the illness

Only 6% of media coverage about mental health problems contains the voice of people with mental health problems  

 


Common myths about mental illness




Myth: Mental illness only affects a few people. 

Fact:

Mental illness is common. One in five Australians will experience a mental illness. It affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and cultures. 

Myth: Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness. 

Fact: 

A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is caused by genetic, biological, social and environmental factors. Seeking and accepting help is a sign of strength. 

Myth: People with a mental illness never get better. 

Fact:

With the right kind of help, most people do recover and lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives.

Myth: People with a mental illness can “pull themselves out of it”.

Fact:

A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness and is not “cured” by personal strength.

Myth: People with a mental illness are violent. 

Fact:

People with a mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than the rest of the population. People with a mental illness are more likely to harm themselves – or to be harmed – than they are to hurt other people. 

Myth: People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital. 

Fact:

With appropriate treatment and support, people with mental illness can live successfully in the community.  In fact, the majority of people with a mental illness live independently in the community.




People are so insensitive and can come out with outrageous comments when it comes to mental illlness 




The view of You're either mentally ill or mentally healthy is such a stupid one!

Similar to the way a physically healthy person may still experience minor health issues—like bad knees or high cholesterol—a mentally healthy person may experience an emotional problem or two. Mental health is a rollercoaster and people may be on different parts of the ride. 

Even if you are doing well, there's a good chance you aren't 100% mentally healthy. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates only about 17% of adults are in a state of 'perfect' mental health.




No one would ever say, “It is just cancer. Get over it.” So why does society seem to think that saying this about mental illness is ok? Why is that when people have a mental illness, society views them as if they are monsters? How is it that every other organ in the body is allowed to get ill and be given sympathy.

When you break your arm and get a cast everyone runs to sign it, but when you say you have a mental illness people turn a blind eye and cast you out as if you had leprosy?!

I can tell you right now their are many people suffering with mental illnesses and you would never think it.

It breaks my heart to say that many people suffer with their symptoms in silence. The stigma that continues to surround mental health problems prevents them from getting the help they desperately need and deserve! 

Some of them feared that a mental health diagnosis could affect their careers, relationships and just life in general.

.

nd that is utterly disgraceful, that we still view it in this way and make them feel as if they can't come for ward because we will think differently of them.

Mental illness is not shameful, but stigma is. The stigma around mental illness is due to fear and lack of knowledge. The solution for ending this stigma is people need to learn about what mental illness is.




In most schools in Ireland Mental health is not even mentioned in a class, and it should be!

People should know the signs and symptoms of mental illness!

They should know what to say, what not to say and how to help.

Now I'm not saying that people should take everyone's mental health issues on their own shoulders but what I am saying is that if they know someone who is suffering they should be able to help to a certain extent.

They should be know :

Not to say 'it's all in your head' 

'It's only a bad mood' 

'Theirs people who have it worse than you' 

'Change your attitude' 

'Do you even want to get better?'

'Stop focusing on the negative in life and start enjoying life'

'You have everything you need to get better' 

'You can snap out of if' 

'Everyone feels this way sometimes' 

'Your over exaggerating'

'It's not even em that bad'

 Or the most Irish thing ever ' ah you'll be grand sure' 

Don't act differently around them once you know they are suffering from mental illness. 




Things you should say instead




sincerely express your concern: ‘You’re having panic attacks? I’m so sorry to hear that. From what I’ve heard, that can be just awful.’




'Let me know if I can help in any way'

'I'm always here to listen if you want feel like you have no one to talk to'




Act the same way you did before you found out. Keep things as normal as possible.




Studies have shown that stigma makes it harder for people with mental health to recover.

So basically because of our ridiculously conformist views we are slowing down people process to recovery!

If we want the people in this country to be able to feel comfortable about getting help for their mental illness we have to rid the country of stigma.

Overall just don't be judgemental and think before you speak. 

Don't just throw words like 'pshyco' around as if they were words like 'dope' or 'eejit'

Look out for your friends, family and even those you don't know.

The saying 'you never really know what going on inside someone's head' is possibly the truest thing I've ever heard. So just keep that in mind. 

Thanks for reading, I hope you took something from this blog.

 ~ lifeofshivy