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The oxford dictionary defines stigma as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. It has been classified into two types – first, a social stigma which is the society’s prejudicial attitude and discriminatory behavior towards persons with mental illness, and secondly, the perceived stigma which refers to the experiences of the mentally ill persons.
The reasons why mentally ill are stigmatized are not difficult to understand. It is often believed that mental illness results from a lack of strength of character, that somehow the mentally ill are themselves responsible for their fate. The mentally ill are considered to be dangerous, homicidal, less intelligent, and not at par with their counterparts. The role of media in propagating these false beliefs can also not be left without a mention.
The ways in which stigma affects the mentally ill are also very important to be understood before we can talk about managing the same. Stigma impairs the help-seeking of the mentally ill, further aggravating their illness besides the increased psychological stress they face which leads to reduced acceptance of the illness by patients and their family members. Even after recovery from their illness, stigma interferes with their occupational and social rehabilitation.
To reduce stigma against mental illness, we will first have to create awareness amongst the masses about these illnesses and remove the myths and negative stereotypes attached with the mental illness and mentally ill. This can be done by increasing our knowledge about mental illness, interacting with the ill without any prejudices and preconceived notions, and providing them equal opportunities as far as possible.
The World Mental Health Day is celebrated each year on the 10th of October. It was celebrated for the first time in the year 1992, after which it gradually was picked up by more and more countries. The aim of celebrating this day is to generate public awareness about mental illness, bring out various mental health worker’s efforts and to further plan and implement the basic needs of mental health. Each year, a theme is picked up and remains the focus for the entire year such as schizophrenia, depression, mental health and the elderly.
For the year 2015, the theme is “Dignity in mental health”. It is well known that the mentally ill, have to struggle amidst the stream of adversities posed by their own illness as well as the society’s inability to respond appropriately. In the medieval times, the persons with mental illness were considered to be”possessed”, “devious”or of immoral character. The treatment considered best was segregation, discrimination, humiliation and exorcism which in some instances involved killing the person with mental illness. Gradually, with the herculean efforts of Psychiatrists like Pinel and Bassaglia more humane methods of treatment and inclusive approach by the society began to take shape.
Unfortunately, even in today’s times, the mentally ill continue to be ostracized and stripped off their dignity day in and day out. Stigmatization, discrimination, lack of acceptance make the suffering worse for a person who is already suffering from a mental illness. With the the focus on Dignity in Mental Health, the aim will be to raise awareness and acceptance about individuals suffering from mental illness, to provide such persons easy access to mental health services sans any negative intonation of perceived and displayed stigma along with providing these individuals a life of confidence, competence, independence and dignity.
Venue: Delhi Mind Clinic, Arcadi Super Speciality Centre,
J-354, New Rajinder Nagra, New Delhi
