MENTAL VS. PHYSICAL

MENTAL VS. PHYSICAL
In reality, mental illness have very complex causes, of a mix of your genetics, your biology and your life experiences—most of which are beyond your control. Neuro-imaging studies, for instance, show physical changes in the brain associated with mental disorders. And studies show that some mental illnesses run in families, suggesting that they may be due in part to your genes.

CRIME AND VIOLENCE
Some people also believe that if you have a mental health disorder, you must be dangerous and violent. This perception is often inflamed by media accounts of crime in which someone is vaguely referred to as “mentally ill.”
Statistics however don’t bear out a connection between mental illnesses and violence. Most people who have a mental illness are neither violent nor criminals.

STIGMA WORSE FOR SOME CONDITIONS
As result of such misperceptions, stigma continues, and mental health conditions remain the butt of jokes in popular culture. Negative portrayals of people with mental illnesses fuel fear and mistrust and reinforce distorted perceptions. That leads to even more stigma, causing a vicious cycle.

Some mental disorders face more stigma than others, though.

Schizophrenia, for instance, is more highly stigmatized than depression is. It’s routinely mocked and is less likely to generate compassion.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF STIGMA
For someone with mental illness, the consequences of stigma can be devastating—in some cases, worse than the illness itself.

Trying to pretend nothing is wrong.
Refusal to seek treatment.
Rejection by family and friends.
Work problems and discrimination.
Being subjected to physical violence or harassment.

Open Discussion Can Help Erase Stigma
Today, the stigma surrounding some mental disorders is slowly eroding. That’s due in part to greater public understanding of mental illness and the biological basis that many of them have.
In addition, many celebrities and public figures have openly discussed their experiences with a mental health condition.

Coping With Stigma
So what can you do about stigma? Perhaps you want to actively combat stigma, you may only be comfortable pushing for more awareness within a close circle of family and friends by gently reminding them about the harm in jokes and stereotypes. Or if you’re more comfortable tackling bigger challenges and facing bigger risks, you may decide to make your cause more public.
Here are some ways you can cope with and help end stigma.
Get appropriate treatment. Don’t let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness.
Surround yourself with supportive people. Because stigma can lead to social isolation, it’s important to stay in touch with family and friends who understand. Isolation can make you feel even worse.
Don’t equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.” Instead of calling yourself “a schizophrenic,” call yourself “a person with schizophrenia.” Don’t say you “are depressed.” Say you “have depression.”

DON’T LET STIGMA CREATE SELF-DOUBT AND SHAME
Remember that you have a medical condition, that it’s not your fault and that effective treatments are available. Try not to feel ashamed, embarrassed or humiliated if someone knowingly or unknowingly makes light of or pokes fun at your illness. Therapy may help you gain self-esteem and put less stock into what others think of you.
And if you’re comfortable enough to speak up, you may be able to help educate people about the hurt that can result from stigmatizing mental illnesses. The tide is slowly turning.

SEE ALSO

Support groups

Resilience: Build skills to endure hardship

Self-esteem: Boost your self-image with these 5 steps

Stress: Win control over the stress in your life


Paranoid schizophrenia

Catatonic schizophrenia

Disorganized schizophrenia

Schizoaffective disorder