Stigmatization of Mental

Health
Presented by:

Akansha Goswami (8035) Smritika Sharma (8041)

Nandita Kumar (8036) Rudrakshi (8042)

Simran Kaur (8037) Vungzamkim (8043)

Prachi Gulati (8038) Anamika Verma (8044)

Sanjali Bhatia (8040) Karthik Hariharan (8046)

 Meaning of “Stigmatization”
➔ WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FELT
MISUNDERSTOOD?

➔ Stigma: The experience of shame or disgrace that sets

people apart and identifies them as being different or
undesirable.

➔ Discrimination: Less favourable treatment of people,

which might include being less able to access
opportunities and resources.

➔ Mental Health:The capacity to live a full, productive life

“They don’t call me sad as well as the flexibility to deal with its ups and downs.
They don’t call me bad
They don’t call me mad.
They don’t call me...” Stigma- A cycle of “Exclusion”
History of
Stigmatization
Mental Disorders were
always attributed to an
external force. It was believed
that an evil presence has
disrupted the normalcy of
human operation.

Christianity - Witchcraft

Islam - Djinn

Hinduism - Bhoot
Types of Stigma
 Attitudes of Health Professionals
Medical students and doctors agree that psychiatric patients are “not easy to like” but the
more they learn of the subject the less they stigmatized.

An Australian study found that nearly one in four people felt depression was sign of
personal weakness and would not employ a person with depression.

Psychologists and social therapists had the most positive attitudes, and nursing assistants
the most negative.

Community staff had more positive attitudes than hospital-based professionals.

Globally, mental health professionals showed a positive attitude towards mental illness, but
also a relative support to coercive treatments.
 Stigma Influences Seeking Mental
Health Care
Stigma of mental illness has been considered a potential cause for reluctance in seeking
help.

One third of people with major depression seek help and who do seek help discontinue
treatment prematurely.

Factors such as age, gender, education, income and availability of services influence the
decision to seek treatment.

The help seeking literature has long acknowledge the role of family and friends in
seeking help for mental health problems.
 Causes of Stigmatization
Misconceptions – misperceptions about the cause or onset of the disease as a curse from the gods, punishment for
one’s sins, witchcraft, black magic, demonic, spirit possession, etc.

Cultural factors/belief system – this about the myth and misunderstanding

Lack of information systems – lack of education to both professionals and to the general public.

Fear – people fear the unknown outcome of the condition; the condition itself and burden of care.

Media – Stigma in the media is especially harmful because the media plays an important role in shaping and
reinforcing community attitudes
 Stigma and its Consequences
SELF STIGMA
SOCIAL STIGMA
● occurs when a person internalises negative
● refers to negative stereotypes of those with a
stereotypes. This can cause low self-esteem,
mental health problem.
shame and hopelessness.
● These stereotypes come to define the person,
● This can lead a person to avoid seeking help
mark them out as different and prevent them
for their mental health problem due to
being seen as an individual.
embarrassment or fear of being shunned or
● Social stigma is associated with
rejected.
discrimination. They may also find it harder
● A delay in receiving treatment can worsen the
to gain housing, obtain employment and
outlook of some conditions as can the stress
access healthcare and may find that their
and anxiety caused by experiencing stigma.
account is less likely to be believed by the
police if they report a crime.
Ways to fight with Mental Health Stigma
1.Talk openly about Mental Health:- One of the best way to fight with Mental
Health Stigma is simply talking about it, because when we talk, we learn.

2. Educate yourself and others:- People might attach stigma to mental illness
because they are not educated enough. One can always educate people by
sharing experiences.

3. Show Compassion:- The simple act of showing affection can make someone’s
day and they will feel that someone understands.

4. Be honest about treatment:- We can fight stigma by simply admitting that

even we are seeing a therapist.
 Stigmatization of Mental Health in Modern Society
Stigma and discrimination can also worsen someone's mental health
problems, and delay or impede their getting help and treatment, and their
recovery. Social isolation, poor housing, unemployment and poverty are
all linked to mental ill health. So stigma and discrimination can trap people
in a cycle of illness.

The situation is exacerbated by the media. Media reports often link mental
illness with violence, or portray people with mental health problems as
dangerous, criminal, evil, or very disabled and unable to live normal,
fulfilled lives.
● Stigma is inherent in the social structures that make up
society. Stigma is evident in the way laws, social services,
and the judicial system are structured as well as ways in
which resources are allocated.
● Social psychology has explained about prejudices and
stereotypes in general to the stigma related to mental
illness.
● Although researches have gone far to understand the impact
of the disease, it has only recently begun to explain stigma
in mental illness. Much work yet needs to be done to fully
understand the breadth and scope of prejudice against
people with mental illness.
Thank You