Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illnesses and Mental Health

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The destigmatization of mental illness has become an increasingly important topic in

recent years, as people are recognizing the need for greater awareness and acceptance of mental
health issues. The stigma associated with mental illness can be a significant barrier to seeking
treatment, leading to negative consequences such as social isolation, discrimination, and lack of
access to healthcare (Epstein, 2021)

According to an article in Forbes Magazine “Almost Half Of Americans Don’t Seek Professional
Help For Mental Disorders” by Michael T. Nietzel in 2021 says that Research has shown that
many people with mental illness do not seek treatment due to fear of judgment or rejection from
others. In addition, negative stereotypes and misconceptions about mental illness can lead to
discrimination and mistreatment of those with these conditions. This can create a cycle of shame
and silence that prevents individuals from seeking the help they need to manage their symptoms
and improve their quality of life.

Fear or a lack of understanding are two common causes of stigma. The media's inaccurate or
deceptive portrayals of mental illness have a role in both of those issues. While the public may
recognize the medical or hereditary nature of a mental health issue and the necessity for
treatment, a review of studies on stigma reveals that many people still have a negative image of
those with mental illness (Borenstein M.D, 2020).

Destigmatizing mental illness involves challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes about
mental health and promoting greater understanding and acceptance of these conditions. This can
be achieved through education and awareness campaigns, media representation, and advocacy
efforts aimed at promoting policies and practices that support mental health (American
Psychiatric Association, 2020).

Destigmatizing mental illness will encourage more people to seek treatment. Individuals are
afraid to be viewed as "crazy" or "unstable" because of the way society looks at mental illness.
With this research, we aim to gradually increase or add more knowledge of mental illness and
the value of seeking treatment.

The goal of destigmatizing mental illness is to create a more supportive and inclusive
environment for individuals with mental health issues, reducing the barriers to seeking treatment
and improving outcomes for those who are struggling with these conditions. By promoting
greater acceptance and understanding of mental illness, we can help to break down the barriers
that prevent people from getting the help they need and support them in living fulfilling lives (H
Stuart, 2016).
Statement of the Problem

These times, society struggles in understanding and viewing mental health and illnesses as
something untreatable, to be ashamed of, and to be stigmatized. This research aims to overcome
the stigma or to destigmatize mental illnesses.

This research study seeks to answer the following questions:

I. How do mentally diagnosed patients feel and experience being diagnosed with a
mental illness and how it affects them
II. What are the factors of the de-stigmatization of mental illness?
III. In what ways can this study de-stigmatize and educate the public?

Theoretical Framework

The Stigma and Mental Illness: Theory versus Reality by Raymond M. Weinstein, Ph.D. emphasizes the stigma of
mental illness—the negative attitudes toward and rejection of the mentally ill. The President's Commission on
Mental Health (1978) recommended that a task force be established to help reduce stigma, to improve public
understanding of mental illness, to assist former patients in the community, and to encourage the mass media to
present more accurate descriptions of the mentally ill. The National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a research
workshop on attitudes toward the mentally ill in an effort to identify the questions most central to eliminating
discrimination and promoting a better life for former patients in the community (Rabkin, Gelb and Lazar, 1980). The
present conference for Alabama mental health professionals—on the barriers imposed by stigma, methods for
resolving these barriers, and growth toward community acceptance of the deinstitutionalized person—is the latest,
but surely not the last, effort of this kind.
Based on the theory, The stigma of mental illness is real. There are negative attitudes toward and rejection of the
mentally ill. But the stigma is not as great as the public may believe, and it is not nearly as great as the theorists have
claimed. The exact nature of the relationship between societal tendencies to stigmatize the mentally ill, patients'
fears of stigmatization, and patients' abilities to overcome real or imagined stigma has yet to be delineated. Studies
dealing with attitudes toward mental illness suggest that the public is fairly well informed. People correctly perceive
that emotional difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, and environmental pressures are the chief causes of psychiatric
disorders, and they easily recognize the textbook symptoms. And folk conceptions of mental illness (God's
punishment, untreatable) are being replaced by scientific explanations.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The research study is limited to destigmatizing mental illness in Bacolod City. This will be
achieved by reassuring the respondents of the confidentiality of their information. In this study,
the researchers will only question senior high students and psychiatric patients, thus teachers and
parents are excluded. Furthermore, this will also serve as a reference or learning material for
everyone.

Significance of the Study

The results and applications of this study will directly or indirectly be benefited from the
following:

Teachers – will benefit from this study to further enhance their knowledge about mental
health and help their students who are struggling with mental health.

Students - will benefit from this research in hopes of broadening their awareness of
psychological issues.

Parents – that this study with helping them understand their children and their peers.

Society – The advantages for society if mental illnesses were successfully destigmatized
are that we won't be dealing with the effects of mental illness on the individual and
society as a whole because it won't result in needless disability, unemployment, substance
 abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, and suicide, as well as poor quality of
life.

Researchers – who would not only educate others about this study but also themselves.

Future researchers – who can further study this research that the researchers have
started. Improve the stand of this study or utilize

Guidance Counselors – They can better comprehend their patients and pupils by using
the information from this study while giving students academic, psychological, and
personal counseling.

Psychiatrist – will benefit in this study to broaden their understanding both the mental
and physical aspects of psychological problems specifically on the stigma surrounding
mental illness.

Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and correctness for the reader as well as the researcher, the following terms will
be operationally and conceptually defined:

 Destigmatizing - Conceptually it is to remove associations of shame or disgrace from.

(Merriam Webster)
In this study, this refers to removing the stigma associated with mental illness.

 Conceptualizing – conceptually it is to form an idea or principle in your mind.

(dictionary.cambridge.org)
In this study, it is the process of specifying what we mean when we use particular terms.
  Mental Illness - conceptually it is the health conditions involving changes in emotion,
thinking or behavior (Psychiatry.org)

In this study, it refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others,
and make healthy choices.

 Awareness - conceptually is a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

(http://www.google.com)
In this study, it refers to the knowledge or the recognition of mental health.

 Stigma – conceptually a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance,

quality, or person. (https://www.google.com)

In this study, it refers to the attributes that conveys devalued stereotypes.

 Discrimination – conceptually is when a person is treated disfavourably or when a

person's dignity is violated. (do.se)

In this study, it refers to the unfair treatment of the society to the mentally ill or mentally
diagnosed. It is also the experiences of the respondents of this study.