Essay On Self Stigma

Stigmas almost always carry negative, life changing effects. In regards to mental illness, the stigma that surrounds it can prevent an individual from living their life the way it deserves to be lived, and from seeking the treatment that could potentially help these individuals suffering from mental illness in huge, positive ways. Recent studies have shed a light on a person’s own self-stigma may have worse effects than the stigma that they would face out in society. The media gives off an often, inaccurate depiction of mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it that could worsen both the self-stigma and the social stigma. Here, a conclusion will be made regarding just how much influence the media has on stigmas, both self-stigma and social stigma.

Lucksted, A., & Drapalski, A. L. (2015). Self-stigma regarding mental illness: Definition, impact, and relationship to societal stigma. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(2), 99-102. doi:10.1037/prj0000152

The first article focuses on the media influences on self-stigma and how that affects individuals seeking psychological help. The article brought up an interesting point about how people with and without mental health issues show interest in watching TV shows and movies that have a mental illness piece. It is pointed out that within American culture, …show more content…
The article states that over 80% of individuals with social anxiety disorder receive no treatment. Comparatively, 40% of those with major depressive disorder and 50% of those with generalized anxiety disorder do not seek treatment. The article presents perceived public stigma and the family shame that is often attached to having a mental disorder as a huge factor in why so many individuals decide to not seek treatment. This particular article makes a connection to how the stigma surrounding mental illness is, in part, driven by media