Stigma over mental illness must go

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Stigma over mental illness must go

Sunday, 24 October 2021 | NIlAMADHAB KAR

Mental illnesses are still considered as a stigma in the society even if there are effective interventions and positive outcomes. There are many myths and misconceptions continuing about mental illnesses. These are present even in highly educated people. Because of stigma, people try to hide the symptoms, do not seek treatment in appropriate time and suffer longer.

Sometimes they resort to faith healing as the only treatment method considering that as a socially acceptable theory of causation of mental health symptoms; e.g. people think the symptoms are due to supernatural forces or spirits. In the process, many avoid taking evidence-based medical treatments.

The family of a mentally ill person also feels the negative repercussions of stigma; sometime the members even get socially ostracized. The impact of stigma is felt in schools, universities, work places, and social functions, even in professional/clinical spheres. Research also suggests that the stigma is associated with exclusion from higher education and employment, poverty, victimisation, and reduced longevity. In summary, stigma is associated with harsher, unnecessary struggle for patients and their families.

Professionals, patients and their caregivers are already aware of the issues; it is important that general public and society should take notice of these. There is an urgent need to fight against the stigma related to mental illness and eradicate it from the society.

Primarily, public education is the main vehicle of the anti-stigma campaign. Various methods have been used in the process e.g. written information, individuals sharing their own mental health experience, video messages, information through news and social media, films, etc.

However, these messages need to be comprehensive for common people, preferably the communication should happen in their own language, and in a culturally sensitive way without offending any sentiments. In that regard, faith and religious leaders may also be informed and educated about mental illness, as often they are approached by the families for help.

Mental health professionals can help the fight against stigma immensely. Clinicians can address the issue proactively while dealing with patients and their caregivers. Educating the significant others and caregivers helps a lot, especially as they go through the process and observe the journey and outcome.

Sometimes, celebrities share the information about their experience with mental illness, struggles, successes and recovery. These have positive effect on society; conveying the message that the affected individuals are not alone and people of all categories may have or develop mental illness. However, this is an uncommon occurrence; mostly people come to know about the mental health issues of celebrities through events such as suicides, drug related problems, etc. through media. It is important that public figures share their stories when possible to encourage people to seek help and treatment early, setting an example that positive outcomes are possible.

Mental illnesses have been portrayed inaccurately in an exaggerated, sensational way in news, social media, writings and films. Unhelpful dramatisation still exists in films and plays. Positive outcomes following intervention and recoveries from mental illnesses are not given their due coverage. This does not help; and the myths and misconceptions continue unabated. There are examples of good practice by some media in their reporting of mental illness and they provide sources of support to public; however, media being a powerful vehicle of public education can do more in the fight against stigma of mental illnesses.

Even with great advances of medical science and availability of very effective treatment, it is a pity that stigma associated with mental illness continues in the society. Its negative impact is felt by patients, their families and society at large; and it affects lives. There is a need to have campaigns against stigma of mental illness, through specific programmes, and public education methods involving clinicians, caregivers and general public. Consistent and multipronged efforts in this regard may de-stigmatise mental illness and allow patients a better outcome.

(The writer is a Consultant Psychiatrist in National Health Service, United Kingdom)

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