Stigma vs. Discrimination
A stigma refers to negative, unfavourable attitude about a given subject and the behaviour it produces. Stigma differs from discrimination. Discrimination is unfair treatment of a a person due to a person's identity, race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability including mental disorders. It is a form of prejudice that spreads fear, misinformation, labels individuals and perpetuates stereotypes. A stigma against people with mental illnesses is oppressive and unfortunately it prevents many from seeking the help they so desperately need.
Stigma is everywhere in our lives. Some 60 million Americans - about 20% of the population - live with a mental illness. Every week it is estimated that over 4 million Americans miss work for psychiatric reasons. Despite being so common, mental illness continues to be met with widespread stigma: in hospitals, workplaces and in schools; in cities and small communities too. It occurs around the world, unconfined by culture or national borders.
People experience stigma as a barrier that can affect nearly every aspect of life - limiting opportunities for employment, housing and education, often causing the loss of family and friends. It is also very difficult for someone with a mental illness to not start to believe the stereotypical comments. This is known as self-stigma. Many myths and misconceptions contribute to stigma - often times perpetuated by the media. News articles are frequently portraying people with mental illnesses as violent and aggressive when in truth, those living with a mental illness are much more likely to be victims of acts of crime, hate and discrimination.
Reducing stigma requires a change in societal behaviour and attitudes - attitudes towards acceptance, respect and the equitable treatment of people living with mental illnesses. Perhaps most important is for people to understand that having a mental illness is not a choice and recovery, with the right treatment and support, is possible if we can eliminate stereotypes, stigma and discrimination!
Recent Comments
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Good post, Kevin. There should be no stigma attached to either mental or physical disorders. All sufferers should be encouraged to seek professional help. The words and stigmata of people who are not qualified or do not understand should be ignored if possible. ~Marion
I agree Marion but for some people deep in depression its hard to step past the stigma without self-perpetuating it! We just need to continue to educate people so they have a better understanding...
Thanks for commenting,
Regards,
Kevin
www.anxietydepressionandbipolar.com
I suffered from a chronic stress disorder and I only found relief when I was referred to a psychiatrist. He broke the vicious cycle I was in and I was then able to start reducing the wrong medication I had been taking for years for the physical symptoms (jerking and screaming/grunting). Going out in public had become something of a nightmare and I only had the courage to do it when accompanied by a friend. I wish you well Kevin and a speedy recovery if you are in need.
Thank you so much Marion, Thankfully between therapy and finding the right meds I too am in a good place. This blog and my website are for those that need a voice to speak for them - and right now I choose to try and change some perceptions and educate a few of the misinformed...
The reality is many forms of what is called "mental illness" is a simple imbalance in some minute form of brain chemistry that a person is unfortunate to be blessed with. Modern science is discovering more about these brain chemicals and has come up with many new ways to battle these imbalances so that many, many people can live productive and fruitful lives. If you know someone who suffers thought mood swings, or bouts of depression, I would counsel you to seek out a professional who is well experienced in these matters. The advances that have been made in the last 10 years are amazing. The brain scans that can be done now that highlight activity in the different areas of the brain are incredible; the cost is not crazy. There need be no stigma around this. It is no different than having a clogged artery; it is something that is not right that just needs to be fixed. It can be fixed with help.
Its true - the advances in medicine have gone far to pinpoint mental disorders and advanced treatment options are available but as someone who openly admits to his/her mental health and encourages open, honest, frank discussion - I can assure you that while there is no need for stigma in today's society - it's alive and well! Thanks for commenting,
Regards,
Kevin
Well said. I was just wondering if you meant to use the word "Stigmata" at the beginning of your paragraph number two, at least for content of this article?
Hi Terry - yes I did as a plural of stigma but I see the confusion so I edited it out, Thanks for asking
Kevin
That's OK. It wasn't offensive or anything. I just had different understanding of the word. See, I learned something! < : )
Thanks Kelly, I appreciate your comments!
Regards,
Kevin
www.anxietydepressionandbipolar.com
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SUNSHINY SMILES....great blog....I just wish we could all be kind to each other without stigma or prejudices. ...we all need unconditional love and understanding to be uplifted to our fullest potential!
Cheers to you Kevin for making it matter and talking about it!!
Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I agree with you - we should all just be kind to one another and the world would have a lot fewer problems!
Regards,
Kevin
www.anxietydepressionandbipolar.com