How Social Stigma Affects The Recovery Of Mental Illness Patients?

Mental health disorders have always been misunderstood and misrepresented in India. It is a general misconception that mental illness is not something that needs treatment. Such misconceptions have given rise to social stigma for the mentally ill, which further obstructs the smooth recovery of patients.

A recent survey revealed that around 1.35 Lakh people in India commit suicide every year. The stigma involved with mental illnesses may be stopping some of them from seeking the help they need.

Adverse effects of social stigma surrounding mental illnesses

1. People are reluctant to seek help and treatment for their mental ailments.
2. Lack of support from friends, family and others.
3. Fewer professional opportunities if word of the mental illness gets out.
4. Health insurance policies with almost no coverage for mental ailments.
5. Bullying or being outcast by society
6. Patients start feeling hopeless as if they have no way to come out from their miserable situation.

A few steps in the right direction is all it takes to create awareness regarding mental illnesses and health. Here is a look at some ways in which you can create awareness about this important subject.

Steps to create awareness regarding mental illnesses

1. Communication is one of the best ways to deal with stigma of any kind. Listen to what people with mental illnesses have to say about their struggles. You will come to appreciate that these people are ordinary souls suffering from a condition.
2. Educate people around you on how to openly speak about mental illnesses. Ensure that you never associate the words ‘mad’, ‘crazy’ and ‘insane’ with people who suffer from such mental conditions.
3. Read books on psychiatry and psychology to get a better understanding of the conditions afflicting mentally unwell people. In such a way, you would be prepared to deal with them and help them out.

Educating children is also important in order to create awareness regarding mental illnesses. Not only will this reduce the stigma, but will also help them seek appropriate treatment, if they are affected by mental ailments in the future.