Mental Illness Is A Social Problem Essay

This essay will analyse the statement 'mental illness is a social problem”. To examine this statement the sociological perspectives will be discussed as well as common social contributors to mental illness with in the concept of gender and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender and inter-sexual community (LGBTI). The aim of this essay is discuss and elaborate on the concept of gender and more specifically the LGBTI community in Australia and how mental illness affects according to gender, gender identity and sexuality and how mental illness is a social problem. Implications and limitations of sociological perspectives related to the sociology of mental illness and how 'mental illness is a social problem ' will also be discussed. By applying sociological and theoretical perspectives as well as structure-agency debate and the social and biomedical modes role in consideration to the issue, will help support the statement ‘mental illness is a social problem’. Whether society is to blame, specifically is an unfair judgement to make but this essay will explore the social contributors to mental illness and how social constructs contributes to the high rate of mental illness sufferers in Australia. The ways in which mental illness is …show more content…
Although it is well know that some mental illness can be inherited and any family history of, increase the likelihood of an individual developing a mental illness, mental illnesses can and do develop in people who have no family history (Beyond Blue, 2011). Ways in which this statement, particularly '...social problem...” can be argued is that mental health and illness is a psychological problem and is specific to each individual affected. The structure-agency debate i relevant Most cases of depression, anxiety are brought on by a stressor or particular influence such as stress at work, school, family life and the expectations of roles individuals roles in society (Beyond Blue,