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Kirsten Wakefield

Professor Burleson

ENGL-1302

20 February 2022

Stigma and Prejudice of Mental Health

Prejudice against people with mental illnesses has become habitual within society. It is a

problem that has caused a tremendous amount of individuals to stop seeking help. This is due to

the fear of being judged or cast out due to their mental health. If someone does not feel

comfortable speaking about the issues they are facing, the problem continues to worsen. When

someone’s openness about their struggles is met with judgment, they feel even more alone and

less understood. Symptoms get ignored, feelings of loneliness fester, and potential treatment is

put off. Health care is prioritized wthin society but mental health is dismissed when it is equally

as important. Schools must provide mental health education and screenings, and conversations

regarding mental health need to be normalized to stop the stigma surrounding mental health and

provide easy access to resources for those that are struggling.

Individuals with mental illnesses have become more and more uncomfortable seeking

help. “More than half of people with mental illness don't receive help for their disorders. Often,

people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears

of losing their jobs and livelihood.” (American Psychiatric Association) This fear stems from

mental health not being prioritized and often being villanized. Workplaces tend to look down on

people with mental health problems and do not provide resources for seeking assistance.

Reaching out for help is hard enough without the added pressure of the fear of losing your job or

being judged. In society, people do not even feel safe enough to go to their friends or family
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when they are struggling. This is because a tremendous amount of people either see mental

illness as a weakness or do not want to acknowledge it. Gaslighting is often a tool used when

someone tries to explain their struggles. When someone seeks help and is met with apathy, they

feel ashamed and struggle more. “Stigma not only directly affects individuals with mental illness

but also the loved ones who support them, often including their family members.” (American

Psychiatric Association) Discrimination leads to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and

lowered self-esteem. These symptoms along with the struggles they already experience with their

mental illness are an exhausting battle.

The stigma surrounding mental health comes from a place of not being educated. People

fear what they do not understand. Sometimes this even leads to stereotyping. Individuals with

depression are labeled as lazy and people with anxiety are seen as cowards. Many people that

suffer from mental illnesses are seen as “crazy” or even violent. However, “a small minority of

people living with mental illness commit violent acts. They are actually 10 times more likely to

be victims of a crime.” (Mental Health Stigma) Villanizing mental disorders is harmful.

Although mental disorders are stigmatized, they affect over half of all Americans at some point

within their life time. People that are prejudiced against people with these disorders, may have

even experienced symptoms themselves. Symptoms often get ignored or are just never

addressed.

To stop this prejudice, schools must provide mental health education and screenings. The

education system must make this topic mandatory and encourage students to feel comfortable

with it. Learning about it from an early age allows individuals to not only have compassion for

the subject but also be aware of the symptoms they may be experiencing themselves. People

oftentimes go undiagnosed because their symptoms are belittled and then ignored. If there are
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classes for teaching kids about these symptoms, more mental illnesses will be acknowledged

early on. Early treatment of mental illnesses is essential. It helps kids address the problem and

receive treatment as quickly as possible. This leads to more success in school and better

outcomes. However, when treatment is put off for long periods, it leads to worsening symptoms

that get more difficult to overcome with treatment. Early education about mental health prevents

stigma. Teachers students the necessary tools and doing so in a way that allows them to feel safe

will prevent any fears. Providing a safe and comfortable environment where students can discuss

their feelings and learn about any symptoms they may be experiencing is beneficial. Topics such

as mental disorders, coping with these disorders, and what to do if you are experiencing

symptoms are vital. This method can stop stigma before it even starts.

Additionally, schools also must have school psychologists, social workers, counselors,

and nurses. “In 2019, 15% of adolescents aged 12-17 reported receiving mental health services at

school, compared to 17% who saw a specialty provider.” (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

These percentages are alarming. Easy access to qualified professionals at an early age eliminates

stigma. It normalizes the idea of seeking help. These specialists should be able to notice early

signs within the students and be able to address them efficiently. Mental health screenings are

essential for providing diagnosing mental illnesses. The earlier that kids can receive these

diagnoses, the faster they can begin treatment if needed. Physical health screenings are common

within schools. Mental care should be just as prioritized. According to the World Health

Organization,“Mental health is an integral and essential component of health.”(World Health

Organization) Additionally, they define health as “A state of complete physical, mental and

social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."(World Health

Organization)
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Conversations about mental health must be normalized within our society. Whether it be

with family members, friends, co-workers, or bosses. Individuals need an outlet where they feel

comfortable speaking about their health. To normalize this topic, we have to first get past the

uncomfortableness. It is hard to discuss something hard to understand and is deemed scary. This

process starts by just simply asking our friends and family how they are doing. Listening to how

people feel and the symptoms they may be experiencing is the first step. Being conscious of the

words we use and the way we listen is important. Compassion is a must when it comes to mental

illnesses. Hostility and gaslighting are often what openness about mental health is met with. This

affects how people feel about reaching out again in the future. They may never want to speak

about their health after receiving negativity. “Stigma and discrimination can trap people in a

cycle of illness.” (Mental Health Foundation)

Sources:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stigma-and-discrimination

https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/major-themes/health-and-well-being

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mental-health-stigma#mental-health-stigma

https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Improving-Health/Mental-Health-in-Schools