Social stigmas occur when people try to define an individual through their mental illness rather than who they are actually. It often involves inaccurate stereotypes, irrational cultural beliefs and media representation that dominates public opinion. Erving Goffman, a sociologist, was the first who brought up the term stigma into the main social theoretical fold. Stigma has many other types that influence our society and affect people negatively in many different aspects. Social stigmas associated with mental illness are one of the major issues that needs everyone’s attention to break this harmful cycle.
In this contemporary society, mental health has emerged as a critical aspect of the overall well being of humans. The time since psychology was established as a new discipline. Psychologists and other scientists have been striving and working for centuries to provide knowledge about the importance of mental health, mental illnesses and their proper treatment. However, pervasive social stigmas continue to cast shadow on mental health discussions, hindering open conversations and discouraging individuals from seeking help.
The social stigmas of mental illnesses are universal however, in countries where stigmatizing beliefs are dominant, the likelihood of seeking help from specialized mental health professionals is constrained. Individuals refrain from contacting mental health practitioners when in need of formal support. They fear being stigmatized, judged and rejected by everyone near them. Even in this continuously changing and modernizing world people who seek professional treatment for their mental health issues face stigmatization.
The conceptual implications of social stigma first implies the citizens of a country share the same stigmatizing perceptions and stereotypes at least to some extent. While elaborating social stigma we cannot be ignorant to the fact that dominant cultural beliefs tremendously influence individuals going through mental illnesses. When it comes to mental health, culture can play a significant role. Mental health is shaped by our cultural beliefs, values and norms.
Our culture can impact the way we understand and cope with mental illness. It can also affect the way we seek help and support. Talking about our own country Pakistan, it was believed that there’s no such thing as mental illness and that mental health issues stem from ‘supernatural forces’ and such psychiatric patients were forced to be treated by religious healers and still in this modern world of technology there are people who consider it wrong to take professional help to treat mental issues.
Responsible portrayal of mental health in media can contribute to destigmatization. Additionally, using respectful language when discussing mental health can reduce negative associations and foster a more compassionate environment. Use of programmes in which awareness of mental health and seeking professional help when going through mental issues can save us from a bigger loss.Â
Pakistan is home to more than 200 million people, but has the poorest mental health indicators and less than 500 psychiatrists for this size of population. This paucity of mental health professionals in Pakistan creates a massive treatment gap, leaving more than 90 percent of the population with mental issues untreated.
Public studies have confirmed the widespread existence of stereotypes about individuals having mental health problems and also those who try to seek professional help for it. They are considered dangerous, unpredictable, difficult to talk to and maybe physically harmful in some situations. These negative stereotypes can have a formidable influence on people going through the same circumstances. One common conclusion of such studies is that it diminishes the beneficial effects of mental health treatment. In related cases sometimes individuals hesitate and avoid seeking professional help because of the fear of being judged or stigmatized and this silence perpetuates the cycle of suffering and isolation.
Negative societal responses to people with mental illnesses may be the single greatest barrier to the development of mental health programmes worldwide. These pernicious effects and the associated human rights issues, are increasingly recognized as a worthy target for social action. In recent years, a number of programmes have been implemented under the rubric of ‘anti-stigma programming’ to promote greater social equity for people with mental illnesses.
People usually consider that an individual going through some kind of mental illness is dangerous, crazy and harmful. The main setback for these kinds of beliefs is the lack of awareness and misinformation. Inaccurate or misleading media representation can contribute to both of these factors. The consequences of negative media images for people who have mental illnesses are profound. The violent and exaggerated representation of people with mental illnesses in movies, documentaries and other sorts of media encourages a stigma being attached to people actually going through it. Studies consistently show that the dramatic, overwhelming and comical images of mental health patients in media portrayals has always caused a greater prevalence of stigma towards mental illness.
Media plays a crucial role in the development of societal attitudes. To combat social stigma related to mental illness, comprehensive educational as well as social media campaigns are essential. By fostering understanding and awareness people can challenge preconceived notions about mental health. It should be emphasized that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is a need for encouraging equality between mental and physical illness that both of them are equally important for every human being.
We should always look forward to preventing these kinds of social stigmas that can cause someone to lose their lives. We often think that alone we are unable to make a change but one must remember that change always starts with one individual because someone has to take initiative. Building supportive communities is vital for overcoming social stigmas. Encouraging open conversations within families, schools and workplaces creates an environment where individuals feel safe in discussing their mental health concerns without the fear of being judged or stigmatized. Don’t let yourself be among those who make these stigmas prevail. Educate others, and choose your words wisely while talking to others.
Responsible portrayal of mental health in media can contribute to destigmatization. Additionally, using respectful language when discussing mental health can reduce negative associations and foster a more compassionate environment. Use of programmes in which awareness of mental health and seeking professional help when going through mental issues can save us from a bigger loss. In the end it’s all about being kind to every single individual you interact with because no one knows what you or any other person is going through, so be generous always regardless of how people behave or treat you.
