Stigma of Mental Health Treatment

There is stigma attached to mental illness. It was once believed that having mental health problems was a sign of weakness. Although most people today accept that mental illness often has a biological basis, there are still many fears and biases to overcome.

The Facts

• Many people with mental illness report that the way others judge them prevents them from having a satisfying life. People often believe that someone with mental health problems is dangerous or weak. Many forms of mental illness are inherited, and are not the result of weakness or character flaws.

Significance

• According to the American Psychiatric Association, as many as 1 in 5 people suffer from some form of mental illness. However, many adults report that they would not see a psychiatrist under any circumstance. It is unfortunate that fear of stigma leads to fear of receiving mental health treatment.

Media Influence

• Stigma toward those who are mentally ill is made worse by the media. Movies often portray stereotypical "psycho" characters that are usually portrayed as violent and dangerous. The fact is that most people who suffer from mental illness are not dangerous.

Effects

• People who are mentally ill may be denied jobs, housing or insurance. The end result is that people who believe they may be mentally ill avoid seeking treatment because they are afraid of being judged.

Considerations

• Mental illness is as real as other diseases, and people who seek mental health treatment should be treated with the same compassion and respect as people who suffer from any other form of illness.