Stigma Towards Mental Illness (Essay Sample)

Stigma Towards Mental Illness amongst adults who primarily identify themselves with Greek culture
Student ID: 1118392
Abstract
Stigma can be defined as a negative attitude towards a certain group of people and is present globally amongst communities. Mental health problems refer to disorders of the human mind that affect behaviour, mood and communication. Stigma towards mental health exists in many cultures, however, in this study; the stigma present in Greek culture will be explored. This will be done using a cross-sectional quantitative method, with a self developed questionnaire containing social demographic articles that will be inspired by the CAMI scale. The target group of this study is people of both genders, with a Greek culture, with ages ranged from 18 to 65. Results may indicate that there is stigma present and may indentify the specific type of stigma that there is towards the mentally ill. The results of this study may be shared with the general population, non-profit organisations and academic centres. In order to reduce stigma, further action may be taken in the form of increased awareness, education and promotion.
Table of Contents
Introduction………………………….. ………………….….Page 3
Mental Health………………………………...............Page 3
Stigma Towards Mental Health……………………...Page 4
Greek Culture………………………………………...Page 5
Rationale…………………………………………..………....Page 6
Aims and Objectives…………………………………….…...Page 7
Literature Review………………………………………..…..Page 7
Methodology……………………………………………..….Page 10
5.1 Approach…………….................................................Page 10
5.2 Questionnaire………………………………………...Page 12
5.3 Participants…………………………………………..Page 13
5.4 Data Collect and Analysis…………………………...Page 13
5.5 Ethical Issues………………………………………...Page 13
5.6 Permission……………………………………………Page 13
6. Discussion of Results……………………………………..…Page 14
7. Dissemination……………………………………..…………Page 15
8. Reflection………………………………………………........Page 15
References………………………………………..…………….Page 17
1. Introduction
1.1 Mental Health
The term ‘mental illness’, by its scientific meaning, is used to describe the consequences and the experiences that cause disorders in the human mind, emotions, behaviour, and communication with other people (Xaritsi, 2007). When dealing with mental health, one looks at both the body and mind as two processes that work together (Pritchard, 2006). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2005) the crux of a good quality of life is mental health well being; with this, humans are inspired to experience life better and be creative, proactive citizens: “Mental health is an essential component of social cohesion, productivity and peace and stability in the environment, contributing to social capital and economic development in societies” (WHO, 2005, page 1). However, the majority of those diagnosed as mentally ill tend to reject the diagnosis and reciprocate that they are healthy and do not require treatment. Regarding individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses, it is often the case that their lives include detrimental experiences and this plays a role in their diagnosis (Ryan and Pritchard, 2004). Moreover, mental illnesses are caused by the collaboration of both the environment and genetics, so individuals whom suffer through terrible life experiences may also have a genetic predisposition to a certain disorder and a bad experience may act as a “trigger” event that causes the mental illness to surface (Davison, Neale and Kring, 2004).
Recent studies indicate that a vast number of personal, genetic, physical, behavioural, social, economic, cultural, and environmental determinants contribute to mental health issues and mental well-being (Cattan and Tilford, 2006). In order to fully understand the role of mental well being in the lives of people, it is imperative that factors that negatively impact mental health are thoroughly considered and examined (Cattan and Tilford, 2006).
Patients most commonly consult doctors due to mental health issues; these consultation tests occur in primary healthcare, in the accident and emergency department or in outpatient clinics (Davies and Craig, 2009). At any given time, about one third of the world’s adult population report symptoms of mental distress, such as worry, sleep disturbance and irritability (Davies and Craig, 2009). Mental disorders are responsible for 22% of total disability all over the world and are ranked as the fifth of the top ten causes of life with disability (Davies and Craig, 2009).
The World Health Organisation declared that mental illnesses worldwide account for 11% of the “ill health burden” and was expected to rise to 15% by the year 2020 (Cattan and Tilford, 2006). The WHO (2012) conducted a meta-analysis of community studies in Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Results showed that 27% of the adult population aged 18-65 had experienced one or more symptoms from at least one mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis and eating disorders. Out of this 27%, 35.2% were female and 21.7% were male. Suicide is linked with mental illness and is a cause for great concern in the public health sector. According to the WHO (2012), 123.853 people commit suicide every year and men are nearly five times more inclined to commit suicide than women; an average statistic of EU countries shows that 23.8 of 100 000 men and 5.2 of 100 000 women commit suicide, even though women are shown to harbour more mental illnesses (see above).
It is clear to see how dire the issue of mental health and well being is, regardless of age, sex or geographical location. However, the issues developed from this and how they are dealt with in practice are of greater importance, which is demonstrated by the vast number of local and international strategies (Cattan, 2009).
1.2 Stigma Towards Mental Health
The term “stigma” hails from Ancient Greek. In Ancient Greece, this term was used to describe a brand, a scar from a burn injury or a cut that was used to indicate that the individual bearing the scar was a slave or a criminal (Arboleda-Florez, 2003 & Leff and Warner, 2006). Subsequently, the term was altered to suit a more positive context (“stigmata”), and was used to refer to marks that resembled the wounds of the crucified body of Christ; these were reported to be present on the bodies of saints and other holy people (Arboleda-Florez, 2003 & Leff and Warner, 2006). Moreover, the word “stigma” is derived from “differences”, which may be present as differences in personality, physical appearance, age, gender, sexual orientation, illness and disability (Mason et al., 2001). Presently, the term “stigma” explicates an attitude that towards a person or a group of people that is discriminatory (Mason et al., 2001).Worldwide, people suffering from mental illnesses are looked at differently than those suffering from physical illnesses and ordinary people. This stigma towards mental health may be due to a perceived connection between those suffering from mental illnesses and violence and crime. It is also due to the fact that the majority of people have trouble to understand how and why individuals with mental illnesses behave and act in the way that they do (Leff and Warner, 2006). Additionally, individuals suffering from mental illnesses have great trouble in sharing their thoughts and experiences and thus understanding them becomes even more difficult. It is common that people possess the desire to distance themselves from individuals suffering from mental illnesses or keep them away from society and urban areas. These factors contribute in the development of stigma towards individuals with mental health issues (Leff and Warner, 2006).Stigma does not only affect the target group of stigmatisation, but also those close to them, such as family members and friends. Pr...