Depression, anxiety, and stigma related to it.
Mental illness also known as a mental disorder is a type of condition that affects the way people think, their moods, perception, and behavior. It can lead to distress and hinder one's ability to do work or be functional in other fields (Healthdirect, 2014). A mentally ill patient is prone to severe challenges such as depression, anxiety and irrational thoughts. This condition comes in many forms, some of which include disorders that affect one's moods, personality, and eating habits. As a result, it leads to psychotic disorders, drug abuse, and Trauma. On a far more negative note, mental illness can attract discrimination and stigma, which on its extremes can lead to suicide (WCF, 2016).
Facts
The anxiety disorders affects about 14 percent of the individuals compared to the 6 percent individuals affected by depression (Sane, 2016). It is estimated, “every day, at least six Australians die from suicide and a further thirty people will attempt” (Black Dog Institute, 2012, p.1). This is because of the stigma they experience due to their mental disorder. This translates to 1.6% of all deaths in Australia, making it more dangerous than skin cancer (Black Dog Institute, 2012; WCF, 2016).
Types and Elements of stigma in relation to depression and anxiety
Stigma can be said to be a mark of disgrace that secludes a person from the others. This happens mostly when a person is labeled by their type of illness and even branded as a part of a stereotyped group. When the negative attitude is shown to a mentally ill patient, negative actions follow which in turn leads to discrimination. Stigma can, therefore, be categorized into various types in association with depression and anxiety (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016).
The four most common types of stigma are the personal stigma, perceived stigma, self-stigma, and structural stigma. Personal stigma is where a person has beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards other people. In close relation to that perceived stigma is defined as the person's belief on pessimistic and stigmatizing opinions that people hold. On the other hand, self-stigma is whereby an individual holds such views about themselves. Finally, structural stigma is one where the government imposes restrictions of some of the important resources and opportunities to people suffering from depression and anxiety.
Relatively, people who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders suffer different perceptions and go through experiences that are rather difficult to deal with (Black Dog Institute, 2012). For instance, there is a common perception that a mental ill people are weak and not sick. Rather than viewing it as a condition that can be treated, most people view mentally ill patients being weak of character. In close relation to that, they are also perceived to be dangerous, since they are tainted to be crazy and compulsive (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). As a result, they develop feelings of shame, embarrassment, and guilt since they are thought to be responsible for their condition.
The impact on people with depression and anxiety
The various fields that are adversely affected by stigmatization include relationships, employment, access to treatment and impact on the society. Personal relationship issues start from family and friends; whereby family members ignore the need to talk about the condition because it brings discomfort. Additionally, the family can choose to deny the problem or dismiss the issue as a whole. Relatively, on employment, stigma can be seen whereby people with depression and anxiety disorders are denied the opportunity to participate in jobs (MacMillan, 2016). This is because they are seen to be less functional and incompetent, which might affect the job outcome.
Effective strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination
Some of the approaches that can be used to reduce stigma include educational approaches; whereby people are educated about depression and anxiety, contact approaches: done by establishing interpersonal contact with depression and anxiety. This can be done through interpersonal therapy, Cognitive behavior therapy, and behavioral therapy (Beyond Blue Ltd, 2016). It is also necessary not to judge and not to discriminate them when it comes to involving in employment and housing. People suffering from it should also talk openly about their experiences in order to create a less secretive atmosphere.
References
Beyond Blue Ltd. 2016. Types of treatment available for depression. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/treatments-for-depression
Beyond Blue Ltd. 2016. Other sources of support. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/treatment-options/other-sources-of-support
Black Dog Institute. 2012, October. Causes of depression. Retrieved from http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Causesofdepression.pdf
Black Dog Institute. 2012, October. Facts and figures about mental health and mood disorders. Retrieved from http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Factsandfiguresaboutmentalhealthandmooddisorders.pdf
Healthdirect. 2014, October. Mental illness | Mind Health Connect. Retrieved from http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/mental-illness
MacMillan, A. 2016. 12 Signs You May Have an Anxiety Disorder - Health.com. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20646990,00.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2016, July 7. Depression (major depression) - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 27, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2016. Overview - Anxiety - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/home/ovc-20168121
Sane. 2016. Facts & figures. Retrieved from https://www.sane.org/mental-health-and-illness/facts-and-guides/facts-figures
WCF. 2016. Depression Facts | White Cloud Foundation. Retrieved from whitecloudfoundation.org/depression-facts
