Module: Human rights, mental health

& disability
How does stigma affect mental health?
People distinguish and label human difference, such as:
 country of origin
 skin colours
 sexual preferences
 food preferences

This is something that we all do in our everyday life in order to organise and
simplify our world. However, this often leads to the development of
stereotypes. A stereotype is:

A widely held, fixed, oversimplified and often wrong, perception or idea

about a particular person or group of people.

I. Stereotypes in mental health

Unfortunately, people who have experienced mental health issues have

often been linked to negative stereotypes.

For example, some people believe that:

They are dangerous and unpredictable.
They should be locked up.
They deserve blame for their condition.
They have no insight into their condition.
They have little hope for recovery.
They are incompetent.
They contribute nothing to society.
They cannot be self-sufficient and are excessively dependent.

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They have lives not worth living.

II. Challenging stereotypes in mental health

These stereotypes are incorrect. The truth is – there are many people who
have enjoyed successes in their lives and also experienced mental health
issues. For example:

J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling is the famous author of the Harry Potter series. She is an inspiring
person who supports several charities. She is also the mother of three children.
In 2012, J. K. Rowling spoke to the media about how, at the height of her
fame and fortune, she experienced and received treatment for depression.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a very successful actress who has received several

awards for her roles. She has talked publicly about her diagnosis of bipolar
disorder.

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson is a world renowned musician and song writer. With the Beach
Boys, he composed the album ‘Pet Sounds’ which is considered one of the
best albums of music history. He started hearing voices after having taken
illicit drugs.

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1955.
He was key in inspiring British resistance during the 2nd World War against the
Nazi regime. He experienced periods of depression that he called his “black
dog”.

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac was a famous US author and a leading star of the “Beat

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Generation”. His most famous work is the novel ‘On the Road’. During his
career, he experienced periods of depression.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is one of the most famous Bollywood actresses. She was
diagnosed with depression and has spoken about this publically and in the
press. She has created a foundation called “Live, Love, Laugh” to help raise
awareness about mental health and support people experiencing
depression.

There are also many other people, less famous, but with no less remarkable
achievements in their lives. Have a look at the Gestalt Project called “Stop
the Stigma”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QficvVNIxTI

III. The impact of stereotypes and stigma on people’s lives

Very often, people with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities

are stigmatized by others. Stigma is both a cause and a consequence of
many social factors and community attitudes like:
 negative stereotypes and misconceptions
 fear of differences
 lack of acceptance
 separation
 rejection
 prejudice

Generally, it brings experiences and feelings of shame, blame, hopelessness,

distress, and reluctance to seek or accept help.

Stigma also leads to discrimination and denial of human rights. For example:
Article 13: Freedom of movement
They are deprived of their right of freedom of movement for example when
they are detained in facilities.
Article 16: Right to marry and have a family
Their right to marry and have a family is often violated.
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Article 19: Freedom of opinion and expression
They are often denied their right to express themselves, have their opinions
heard and make decisions.
Article 23: Right to work
They can be excluded from the workforce, despite having similar or better
qualifications.
Article 25: Right to an adequate standard of living
They sometimes do not have access to adequate care or are denied
coverage by health insurance companies.

As a result, people become socially isolated, which has a negative impact on

mental health. This hinders hope, enthusiasm, self-confidence, motivation and
social support.

People with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities can and do

achieve great things in their lives. However, they often lack the opportunities
that are given to others.

E-Training provided by Mental Health Policy and Service Development, World Health Organization.
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