Mental illness and stigmatization

Mental illness and stigmatization
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Mental illness and stigmatization
Mental illness is a common problem. It affects people from all walks of life. The effects of mental illnesses are so diverse that it affects patient, families, friends, work colleagues and the society in general. Most of the people who experience this problem recover fully especially if they get help early enough, or live in a manageable state. Even though many people are affected, strong social stigma is still attached to mental illness. People living with mental health problems experience discrimination in almost all aspects of their lives. Stigma and discrimination makes the problem worse to live with. Stigma mainly comes from those likely affected by a patient`s mental ill status: friends, families, employers and the society at large. Society has stereotyped views about ill mental conditions and how it affects people: some believe that such people are dangerous and violent. However, in reality such people are at more risk of harming themselves and being attacked than attacking other people. People with mental illness experience double challenges. On one side, there is the struggle with disabilities and other effects of the disease. On the other hand, they are greatly challenged by the prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes that result from misunderstanding and misconceptions about mental illness. These two factors deny these patients the opportunities that define and make up a quality life: proper jobs, good health care, proper socialization, hou...