This is a mental health article I completed in about 2010 whilst doing as an assignment for part of my Article Writing Course, would love some feedback. It is also on http://www.helium.com/users/268519
The Stigma of a Mental Health Diagnosis
To enable anyone to fully understand the stigma of a mental health diagnosis you would need to be either a recipient of the diagnosis or someone very close to that person. No other person could fully comprehend the implications associated with that diagnosis, except maybe the medical professional that provided the diagnosis, no doubt with a degree of empathy.
A mental health diagnosis is not given lightly and would generally take more than one medical consultation over a period of time, and most likely involve a specialist. But once received the individual themselves can be surprised if not shocked by a mental health diagnosis. The diagnosis may well be accepted initially and treatment begins with being told it is a treatable illness and is not the individuals fault.
A quick computer check via ‘Synonym’ for the word ‘Stigma’ revealed words such as shame, disgrace and dishonor, so with that in mind it is no wonder the stigma of a diagnosis of a mental health issue is so hard to accept, it places an even greater burden not only on the recipient but loved ones also.
The stigma of a mental health diagnosis can include voluntary avoidance of recreational venues for fear of having to explain yourself, as the illness may not be visually apparent. So apart from constantly feeling embarrassed about your condition you hate the idea of living on medication. The symptoms of mental health issues are well known and do not necessarily need to be addressed in this article. If an individual is having an issue coping with everyday life, then they have a medical condition, but it may not necessarily be a mental health issue, which is why a correct diagnosis is so important. But the stigma comes soon after the diagnosis and sticks in the back of the mind, regardless of how many times they are told they are not at fault.
Once the correct diagnosis is obtained and understood it is then realized just how big the attached stigma is. As depression plays a major role in mental health issues and the ever growing stigma attached to the diagnosis makes it harder to accept. The stigma of a mental health diagnosis is like no other stigma associated with any other condition, which unfortunately becomes attached to the recipient of the diagnosis, not by the medical profession, but society.
The individual with the mental health issue will already be on an emotional rollercoaster and will most likely have anxiety issues as well and may also be a little paranoid too, they would believe they are a failure and suffer the constant embarrassment of being thought of as being weak and out of control and how they may be unfairly judged.
Most people will undoubtedly find out and some may never trust them again, and maybe they will be overlooked for that promotion or even be put off work altogether. Anti Discriminating Legislation is in place but most know how that works.
Another stigma for a mental health diagnosis is knowing they will be obligated to disclose all medical information including previous mental health issues on any official application forms, including life insurance or income protection insurance and medical forms associated with new employment. They know they will be again unfairly judged and let’s face it who wants someone with a history of a mental health diagnosis, the stigma continues.
Like many medical terms, the wording ‘Mental Health’ may be the correct terminology used by the medical profession when describing a subject as broad as mental health illnesses. But for the average layman the actual word ‘Mental’ conjures up a vast array of preconceived or crazy ideas about possibly being labeled as being a ‘Mental Case’ and being locked away in some asylum for the insane. That is just a part of the so called label or stigma of a mental health diagnosis, especially if you are the person in question.
Unfortunately it is because of the associated stigma attached to the issue of mental health, many do not seek help, they simply will not or cannot accept the fact they have a mental health problem and need help. Not me they say. They will either incorrectly diagnose themselves or say they are just going through a rough patch or they are under a little stress. They will then consciously or subconsciously self medicate themselves through alcohol and/or other drugs, If not they become this individual everyone feels they have to walk on eggshells around in case they upset them, they ultimately become the individual no-one wants to be around or work with.
The term mental health covers many and varied medical conditions to do with the highly complicated human organ known as the brain. The brain is such a complex organ that even specialists are still learning from it. It is known that the human body reacts out of the ordinary if subjected to a traumatic experience, real or perceived. Trauma such as being a victim of crime, including but not limited to acts of personal, physical and/or mental abuse, road trauma either as a victim or emergency services worker, being subjected to war or war like conditions as a combatant or a non-combatant.
Mental health illness or disorders are just that and are treatable once a correct diagnosis is obtained. Everyone reacts differently to changing situations because everyone is different and including their ability to understand and cope differs also. The ability to cope with a mental health issue is dependent on factors such as the person’s personal makeup, the seeking and acceptance of professional help and dedicated support from family and friends.
If someone were to recover from any other illness there would be celebrations. It’s unfortunate but it may be true that regardless of how well the individual responded to the treatment or how long since the recovery from a mental health illness, the stigma of a mental health issue will always remain.
