Psychological disorders
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While psychological disorders still have a stigma, steps have been taken by some individuals to help others understand the disorders a little better. For example, photographer John William Keedy captured images to express anxiety disorders, OCD, and varied neuroses in “Photos Reveal What It’s Like to Have Anxiety Issues.” Review “What It’s Like to Have Schizophrenia,” which attempts to show viewers what it’s like to have schizophrenia. (Warning: the video is graphic and may be disturbing.)
Then there is a personal story from Healthline called “In Their Shoes: Understanding What Bipolar Disorder Feels Like” and another from Mills Baker called “What Does It Feel Like to Have Bipolar Disorder?” Both stories are told from the point of view of someone with bipolar disorder and try to capture what it’s like living with the illness.
After reviewing the readings and videos and further researching the topic, post a two-paragraph response to the following:
How do our history and culture affect our understanding of psychological disorders? What, if anything, can be done to reduce the stigma attached to psychological disorders? Do the photographs, videos, and stories mentioned above help people to better understand the disorders, or do they serve to further stigmatize the disorders? Explain.
Studies have shown that having a low socioeconomic status (SES) increases the risk factor for developing a mental illness. Why might this be the case? Think about some of the symptoms of psychological disorders. What connections do you see between the symptoms and low SES?
Sample Solution
Our history and culture can have a profound effect on how psychological disorders are perceived and understood. This is especially true in certain cultures where mental health issues are often seen as taboo or even viewed as an unacceptable burden on families due to the stigma attached to them (Thomas & Kitzrow, 2020). Furthermore, this social stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help for their disorder which might lead to poorer outcomes than if they had received appropriate treatment in the first place (Friedman et al., 2019).
In order to reduce the stigma associated with psychological disorders, we must strive to better educate ourselves and others about them so that we may more accurately identify when someone may be suffering from one. This means understanding that mental illness is just as real as any physical ailment and requires both compassion and respect when discussing it with those affected (O’Brien et al., 2018). Additionally, providing resources like counseling services or online support groups for those dealing with these issues could be beneficial in helping people feel less isolated by connecting them with peers who understand their struggles (Glover & O’Neill-Karchmeinz, 2017).
Finally, developing strategies such as “mental health days off” at work or school could provide individuals space they need address any concerns related their well being without fear judgement reprisal. It also sends strong message employers students alike that taking care our emotional state priority should respected encouraged give us best chance succeed personally professionally.
In conclusion , tackling stigma of psychological disorders involves combination education awareness initiatives aim foster greater acceptance understanding among society . As long society continues invest creating supportive environment promoting dialogue open discussion around topic there hope issue will addressed future.
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