The Cruel Effects of Stigma

Right here at Defying Mental Illness, it seems we always go on about stigma.  But that is because stigma is such an important topic where mental illness is concerned. 

Stigma will not go away because we do not talk about it.  The only practical way we can defy stigma, is to make awareness of it and educate people.  Stigma is often borne out of ignorance.

We have listed 5 effects of stigma below.  We would encourage you to read this post till the end.  Someone’s recovery or even diagnosis depends on you knowing what stigma is all about.  Only when people are comfortable to let others into their world can help be sought for them.

##1 Stigma creates barriers to treatment

Stigma prevents those challenged or their loved ones seeking help that they need. It can be a barrier to seeking treatment.

##2  Stigma causes isolation

As social beings, we love company; we love to be surrounded with friends and family. When people don’t fit our ‘mould’, they can often be made to feel isolated and unloved even. Families are affected too and can feel shame, loneliness and even self blame. Children can be teased because of their parent’s condition.

Even couples that are dating may break up once the other party reveals that they have mental health challenges because of pressures and concerns from well meaning friends and families.

##3 Stigma treats the ‘mentally ill’ as if they are stupid

Socially, others may relate to the mentally ill like they would to children thinking they are stupid. Someone with mental illness does not mean they are stupid.

However, society can think mentally ill are perhaps brainless, which can be a little unfair. There are very intelligent people who have been challenged with mental illness yet have made global impact in their works and inventions. Beethoven, Charles Dickens and the acclaimed Isaac Newton are examples, to name a few.

##4  Stigma often leads to discrimination in the workplace  

Avoidance due to not understanding the disease makes it easier for employers simply not to hire. For those already in employment, after returning to work after a mental illness episode, they may find a change in how their colleagues relate to them. This results in them feeling awkward.   Sometimes mentally ill workers may find themselves being retrenched or even demoted in their jobs. It is amazing how loopholes can be found to facilitate this.

##5 Stigma creates an inferior class

Stigma can make those challenged with mental illness feel they are second class citizens, not part of the clique, outsiders and so on. They may feel inferior, not good enough, feel rejection, have low self esteem, low self worth, lack confidence, hopelessness, loneliness and blame.

How has stigma affected you?  Would you like to see an end to stigma?  Please share this by clicking on one of the follow buttons below.

About The Author

Zoe

Zoe met Eze (Chuck) in the 14th year of what turned out to be an 18 year ‘journey’ with mental illness. They got married less than a year of meeting with Zoe fully knowing Chuck had a diagnosis of mental illness. In the 18th year, Chuck defied the odds of mental illness. A consultant psychiatrist signed him off the mental health system with a bill of NO MENTAL ILLNESS. The consultant was so amazed by Chuck’s astonishing recovery that he even questioned how Chuck was diagnosed with mental illness all those years before, in the first place! Today Chuck is free from medication, its dependency and hospitalizations. Zoe’s award nominated book, DEFYING THE ODDS, chronicles the highs and ‘lows’ of this journey. Zoe, often writing from the standpoint of a caregiver, clearly understands that mental illness does not only affect an individual challenged with the disease, but also families, marriages and society as a whole.

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