In society, mental illness is a very uncomfortable issue. Society sees it with such a negative stigma that many people with a mental illness have been discriminated against. Many people go undiagnosed because of the fear of being discriminated against, whether it’s from family or society. There are different types of stigma, such as social and self-stigma. There are multiple different causes for this stigma, mainly the fear of misguided views. With this fear of violence, people can begin to develop a stronger stigma against mental illness. However there is a way to counteract these views and to begin to remove the hate and confusion surrounding mental illnesses. A stigma is a mark of disgrace, or an uncomfortable and negative issue that most
…show more content…
Throughout history mental illness patients have been discriminated against. Some were even killed for being different. The stigma comes from the idea that people with mental illness are more dangerous. Early depictions of mental illness used demonic possession as the main cause of the stigma. This is very prevalent in early society because if an individual was different from the rest of the town, then that person was seen as a threat to the town’s safety and would be exiled because of it. Modern day media helps to perpetuate the stereotype by depicting people with schizophrenia as homicidal maniacs. With the help of the media people are able to reinforce their own stigma against mental …show more content…
The stigma has become so ingrained in society that it will take more than just sharing knowledge about mental illnesses to stop the discrimination. The first step would be to remove the negative stereotype that surrounds it. In the UK a program called “Time to Change” has become one of the biggest programs to help get rid of the stigma. The foundation has a multitude of advertisement and events to help promote mental illnesses. The program also shows what patients might be suffering with while they cope with their disease. The foundation also sets up events where different groups of people, with and without mental issues, can meet up and disclose health information to help improve attitudes about mental illnesses. This helps people who struggle with accepting their mental illness and can be the first step in getting treatment. It shows that they are not alone in their
Throughout history mental illness patients have been discriminated against. Some were even killed for being different. The stigma comes from the idea that people with mental illness are more dangerous. Early depictions of mental illness used demonic possession as the main cause of the stigma. This is very prevalent in early society because if an individual was different from the rest of the town, then that person was seen as a threat to the town’s safety and would be exiled because of it. Modern day media helps to perpetuate the stereotype by depicting people with schizophrenia as homicidal maniacs. With the help of the media people are able to reinforce their own stigma against mental …show more content…
The stigma has become so ingrained in society that it will take more than just sharing knowledge about mental illnesses to stop the discrimination. The first step would be to remove the negative stereotype that surrounds it. In the UK a program called “Time to Change” has become one of the biggest programs to help get rid of the stigma. The foundation has a multitude of advertisement and events to help promote mental illnesses. The program also shows what patients might be suffering with while they cope with their disease. The foundation also sets up events where different groups of people, with and without mental issues, can meet up and disclose health information to help improve attitudes about mental illnesses. This helps people who struggle with accepting their mental illness and can be the first step in getting treatment. It shows that they are not alone in their