Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness

Whether its depression or schizophrenia, in this part of the world, mental illness is still a bitter pill to swallow. Mai Elsayed, Founder of Rethinking Stigma highlights the challenges in breaking down the barriers when it comes to mental illness.

The Facts

Unfortunately, mental illness is rising on a global scale and today, one in four people suffer from either a mental or a neurological disorder. Yet, sufferers still fail to find the right type of treatments for the mental illness they have. This is largely because of the presence of mental health stigma. Stereotypical labeling prevents those who need the treatment to seek it to avoid the shame of being called ‘crazy.’ Mentally ill individuals have been oppressed for so long and it is time for us to acknowledge the following facts:

The majority of the people don’t understand what the different mental illnesses are and how they are correctly treated. Mental illness sufferers are labeled and stereotyped. Clients themselves have settled for being defined by their illness and this has a huge negative impact on their subconscious mind.

Stereotypes

Movies create major misconceptions about mental health. Unfortunately, Hollywood has succeeded in stigmatizing therapists, illnesses, and clients. Also, there is a huge lack of understanding in the difference between a psychologist, a counselor, and a psychiatrist. Therefore, people do not know whom they should go to when they have a problem they can’t solve.

A Luxury

Psychotherapy is looked at as a luxury, not an essential health care service. Accordingly, the profession is not covered by most insurance companies. This impedes a lot of those who suffer from mental illness by eliminating the option of receiving treatment since they are usually not able to afford it.

What is Rethinking Stigma?

Rethinking Stigma is an online initiative that aims to eliminate Mental health stigma.

Links:

http://rethinkstigma.webnode.com/

https://twitter.com/rethinkstigma

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOxOMxxg0SlXtmDYkB5GRmQ

Related Posts

A New Brand of Celebrity…Social Media Influencers

Beat Your Migraine with Ayurveda

Why Letting Go of Hate and Negativity is Good for Us