Eradicating Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health

#TurksandCaicos, May 16, 2022 – 

Introduction

When a person is viewed negatively by others because of a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait, it is called– stigma. Stigma is nothing less than obvious or direct discrimination that may lead to the fear of seeking treatment. Reliable research suggests that more than half of people who are affected with mental illness do not receive help with their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment because of concerns about being treated differently or fears about losing their jobs and livelihood. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination can be compared to oxygen; whether or not you see it, it does exist in our community and it is a deterrent that needs to be addressed appropriately. What is unknown to people, though, is that most of the time, some sort of mental condition affects the same person who stigmatizes you he or she is just not aware of it.

Who needs mental health support?

This is a question that many people just miss the mark in making attempts to answer. Depending on the level of their knowledge and understanding of mental health, answers can be varied.  However, one popular belief is that bipolar people commonly called “crazy people” need mental health support. This is a myth that triggers stigmas and causes so many complicated mental health issues because people are afraid of being stigmatized, discriminated against, and therefore, resisting treatment. Perhaps, asking this question can shed light on this crucial issue.

Who are we?

The common consensus is that we are all human beings. And if it is so, we all have work and personal life. We have relationships with other human beings and face different personality types. For example, we have families, co-workers, customers, employees /employers, friends, and why not enemies.  This implies that none of us can deny that we all go through issues of life that require mental health support. Therefore, it is best practice that individuals are aware of their mental health conditions early. People must be aware that the longer you let it go unchecked, the harder it becomes to get cured or treated.   It is estimated that 50% of the general population in middle- and high-income countries will suffer from at least one mental disorder at some point in their lives.

Literature review

The father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud theorized the defense mechanism. One component of this broad base of knowledge that speaks volumes about the impact of mental health issues in our society, in general, is called, ‘Displacement’ which is the process of shifting the aggressive impulses toward a weaker force. Here is how it works in a cycle that affects the whole society. For example, a man (manager) who was denied access to his comfort bed at night by his wife, tends to shift anger toward his employees, and the employees will be bitter toward each other. In turn, they tend to shift aggressive impulses toward the customers. At the end of the day, everyone goes back home to only shift aggressive impulses to the little one or even the cat that rushes to the gate to welcome dad or mom– gets kicked.  This is not the end of it; think about the little one who cannot retaliate against dad or mom but consumes the aggressive impulse. He or she will then shift it to the classmates and then the classmates shift it to social groups. Just think about a police officer who works at crime scenes that triggers significant trauma and does not have psychological support. What can be his/her behaviors toward colleagues, community, or family?

Discussion

as opposed to the common belief that psychopaths (commonly called crazy people) are the one who needs mental health support, may I suggest that apparent sound-minded people do need it as well if not the most since we accept the fact that prevention is better than cure. As a matter of fact, when a person becomes a psychopath at a severe level, he or she becomes very resistant to mental health treatment. So, the earliest a person seeks mental health support is better and gives the mental health professionals a better chance to help.

In conclusion

Do not allow the fear of being labeled with a mental illness to prevent you from seeking help. Knowing that every human being needs psychological support. Early intervention or treatment can provide relief by identifying what does not go well and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life. Do not allow stigma to create self-doubt and shame. Stigma does not come from others alone but can become a self-fulfilling prophesy once absorbed and accepted.

Alces Dor

Psychologist

For comment, please, contact the author

1649-242-4551

Email: alcesdor@yahoo.com