The Stigma Behind Mental Illness
by Shannon Philpott
1. Existing Social Condition 1: Celebrity influence i.e. singer and actress Demi Lovato has spoken about her battle with mental illness and has partnered with Be Vocal and has even spoken on Capitol Hill to break the stigma behind mental illness and allow more access to treatment for all.
2. Cultural Beliefs and Biases 2: In China, mental illness can be perceived as a form of possession by an imaginary demon or an evil spirit.
3. Cultural Beliefs and Biases 1: 63% of African Americans view depression as a "personal weakness".
4. Social Inequalities 1: Many men who recognize that they may have a mental illness are reluctant to seek help or treatment because of the stigma that men are supposed to "suck it up" and "be strong".
5. Social Inequalities 2: Mental health diagnoses and treatments are hard to obtain for those at or below the poverty line.
6. Existing Social Condition 2: Social media plays a big role in facilitating cyber bullying which can strongly demote mental health and can, at times, promote self-harm and suicide.
7. Social Roles 1: Parents, depending on their cultural beliefs and biases, usually want the best for their child especially if they know their child is suffering. Parents, unfortunately, often feel guilty about their child's illness.
8. Social Roles 2: Someone who suffers from mental illness experiences a great contradiction in how to act socially. Confiding in friends and family can be a great comfort, but it can also be detrimental as not many people are accepting of mental illnesses and often look down upon those who do have them.
