Question

Why are negative attitudes or stereotypes associated with mental illness but not with physical illness? What are some stereotypes (positive and/or negative) associated with specific mental illnesses (be sure to provide the mental disorder for the stereotype you are using)? What could you do as an individual to help combat negative stereotypes in mental illness?

Answer 1

Mental illness is by and large misperceived in society because of the stigma associated with mental illnesses. While every individual can fall prey to physical illness, the lower number of the instances of mental illness along with the lack of awareness about mental health and emotional welllbeing has led to limited knowledge about dealing with mental health issues. This has led to a greater amount of stereotyping and stigmatisation of mental illness in society compared to physical illness. Popular media have also contributed to certain misconceptions about the mentally ill. For instance, a common stereotype in the mainstream society is that the mentally ill people are generally schizophrenic and are ‘dangerous’ and they can harm others around them. Moreover, another associated stereotype is that all mentally ill people, whether those with low IQ, severe mood disorders, or psychotic disorders are those who have been institutionalised at point of their life or the year need institutionalisation. Another common stereotype is that psychiatrists are the only professionals who can treat mental illnesses like generalised anxiety disorder or even depression.

These are some of the instances of negative stereotypes and it is believed that they are not very endearing but can be gradually changed with greater community education and spread of awareness of mental disorders such as through documentaries on the difficulty of living with a mental health condition like schizophrenia which can reverse the negative attitude about patients and can instead allow the viewers an opportunity to see them in a more human environment light as those who experience life as long term suffering in life. Moreover, within the school environment workshops and talk sessions in coordination with the school counsellor can help to facilitate creation of a normalcy and acceptance with seeking professional help in cases of emotional disturbance. This can also serve as a preventive measure in mental conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders which may arise due to stress.