Stigma of Mental Health

We often read stories about mental illness, we see media depictions; it seems to be everywhere. There are so many stigmas attached to mental illness that it prevents people who are suffering (20% of all people) from seeking help. According to The Canadian Mental Health Association, almost half of those suffering never get treatment.

Stigma means a mark indicating that something is abnormal – in other words, a mark of disgrace. In a 2001 survey administered by the CMHA and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, 66% of respondents claimed to have suffered from depression or anxiety, or were very close to someone who was suffering. Half of these people also claimed they believed people’s perception of them would change if their illness were known.

Dealing with mental illness is not different than coping with any other form of disability. The best way to combat the stigma of mental illness is to first educate yourself, and then to share it with others. Here are some myths about mental illness:

Sufferers of mental illness are violent
It has been proven that those with mental illness are no more dangerous than those without mental illness. It has been proven that sufferers of mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violence, than perpetrators.

Sufferers of mental illness are poor and unintelligent
It has been shown through many studies that most mental illness sufferers have average or even above average intelligence levels. Just like physical illness, mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of social class or intelligence.

Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness
Mental illness is not due to personality, character or will power. Although recovery requires the sufferers to play a part, they did not choose to become ill nor are they lazy for not “snapping out of it” right away.

The bottom line is, if you became physically ill, you would see a doctor; why not treat mental illness with the same respect?