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Zerrin Kurdak
Ms. Bradley
ENC 2135
October 29, 2015
The Stigma behind Mental Illness
Mental illness is a common health issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people
around the world. The psychology community works to educate the public on mental health and
provide services and support for those who need it. Psychologists and psychiatrists see patients
and help them figure out the best course of treatment. The prevalent issue in the psychology
community is the stigma behind mental illness. Ruby Wax, a British comedian, spoke in a TED
Talk to share her personal struggle of how being diagnosed with a mental illness altered her life.
Wax has publicly been very open about her illness, hoping her story will help others who are
experiencing similar battles. As Wax said, Mental health problems are so common, it could be
anyone. The trouble is no one wants to talk about it (Films). The implications of mental illness
have various aspects. The stereotypes associated with mental illness can result in discrimination
in housing, employment, and relationships.
People with mental illnesses have been treated poorly throughout history by being
neglected, abandoned and shunned. In England, Ddeviant behavior was blamed on demon
possession and evil spirits until the 1970s (Hinshaw, The Stigmatization 5). People were
tortured and put to death if they were thought to be linked to unholy spirits. The general public
did not know a lot of accurate information on mental illnesses, so they assumed the worst.
Mental illness wasnt a popular topic to talk about back in the day. People feared what they

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didnt know, and the concept of mental health being impaired was hard to grasp. Those with
illnesses were excluded from normal societal activities and were avoided like the plague. This
made the standard of living harder for those with mental health issues. Being separated from
society by an invisible wall is a situation no one should have to experience.
According to Stephen Hinshaw, author of The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness
and an Agenda for Change, Even though people have struggled with mental illnesses throughout
history, the public still views those with mental health issues with fear, pity and judgement
(Hinshaw, The Mark 3). Those. Those who suffer from a mental illness are judged,
discriminated against, and are labelled as weak or violent. Due to the discrimination many people
with an illness withdraw from all but close friends and family members, destroying their selfesteem and causing social interactions to be uncomfortable. Stereotypes of the mentally ill have
grown stronger over the years, as has the distance between those with mental illnesses and those
without (Thoits 4). The general public seems to be more sympathetic towards those with physical
health issues than those with psychological issues (Films). A mental illness does not bleed, break,
or fracture. The symptoms are not as evident as those of a physical illness are, making it difficult
for some people to comprehend the harmful effects that cannot be seen.
The stigma, while cruel, can be explained by a couple of factors. The discrimination is
driven by American culture and society, drawing from the inability to grasp situations the public
doesnt understand. Christina Funk, an officer in the Florida State University psychology honor
society Psi Chi, gave her opinion on the matter. People tend to judge situations they dont
understand, and they dont take the initiative to learn more about them (Funk). Most people
dont put in the extra effort it takes to uncover the truth behind mental illness. Issues with mental
health are not talked about in a manner of understanding and sympathy. However, there are more

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people that struggle with mental illnesses than one would think. Christina Funk said, There are
even more people that havent been diagnosed because theyre too ashamed of how they feel to
seek help (Funk).
Another factor contributing to the stigma surrounding mental illness is that many people
on trial plead mentally ill in order to receive a less harsh sentence. The Insanity Defense states:
A defense in which a person can be found not guilty, or not responsible, for a crime because, at
the time of the crime, the accused was unable to differentiate between right and wrong, based on
the fact that the accused suffers from mental illnesses or mental defect (Hinshaw, The Mark
2). Many criminals on trial try to prove they are mentally ill when they are not. They would
rather receive the sentence of being sent to a psychiatric ward than to a prison. This disgraces the
whole point of the Insanity Defense, which was made to protect those with mental illnesses.
Since many criminals plead insanity, the general public views the mentally ill with skeptical
eyes. Many people get the wrong idea because they see those who are not mentally ill pleading
the Insanity Defense, which causes the public to believe those who have mental illnesses are
violent or crazy.
If people perceive those with the illness to be a threat, they might try to avoid them in
order to feel safe and secure. However, this is a form of rejection that can lead to increased levels
of fear and ignorance (Hinshaw, The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an
Agenda for Change 7). The discrimination that results from the stigma can be
damaging. Some people with mental illnesses internalize the stigma, which can have harmful
results and affect the way they behave as a result. The overall effects of the stigma can be
detrimental to ones health. Discrimination can cause a relapse in ones progress of recovery,
especially since societys first instinct is to distance those who are different from others. Sally

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Chan, author of Stigma in Mental Illness: A Continuing Concern," said Tthis intentional
exclusion can lead to disparities in housing, education, employment, health care and income
(Chan 7). Those with mental illnesses are not given the same opportunities as those without an
illness. For instance, it is incredibly challenging for one with a serious mental illness to find a
well-paying job. People with mental illnesses have been stereotyped to be insane or mad, which
can serve to provide justification for limiting people with these health problems. It is impossible
and cruel to think that society can put the mentally ill in a box and keep them hidden from the
rest of the world. Yet this is how many people have viewed those affected over the years. It is
difficult to have society accept those with mental illnesses as normal human beings that are no
different from the rest of the world.
One stereotype of the mentally ill is known as benevolence, assuming those with mental
illnesses are like children who need an adult figure to make decisions for them. Someone takes
on an authoritative role over the person with the mental illness because they assume the person is
incapable of being independent. This stereotype believes those with mental health issues are
helpless and in need of caregivers. This could lead to them being seen as a drain on social
resources, which can cause an increase in the stigmatization. A second stereotype assumes those
with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable. Some people fear them as a result, making
the stigma stronger as they try to avoid the mentally ill at all costs (Thoits 3). Another stereotype
is blame. This is when those with mental health issues feel responsible for their illness, leading to
them believing they are inferior or weak.
Stephen Hinshaw says, The truth is that only a small subgroup of people with mental
illnesses are likely to be violent but the risk of being victimized by violent crime is far greater
in people with serious mental disorders than in the general population (The Mark 4). People

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with mental illnesses have a lot more to fear than someone who fears the mentally ill does. They
are constantly being watched but not spoken to, making them feel like a criminal. The media
bolsters the stigma surrounding mental illness by presenting narrow minded stories (Byrne 6).
They take the information they want to use to draw attention, leaving out critical details that
could change someones perspective. Christina funk said, They [the media] often take only one
line out of a bunch of research that doesnt make sense without the background knowledge. This
causes people to get the wrong idea (Funk). This technique is unfair and unjust. The media
sneaks around the truth, not caring if they sway how people feel about the issue.
According to Otto Wahl, Tthe media emphasizes the violent nature of those with mental
illnesses for the sake of entertainment. Television shows, commercials, advertisements, etc.
portray the issue with disrespect and often give misinformation. The public sees only what is
advertised and draws conclusions based off of the information given. Very few people research
further into whether the information is actually accurate or scientifically proven. Viewers see
only the differences between them and those who have mental illnesses, creating a large gap
between the two parties. This can lead to people fearing the mentally ill if theyve never
interacted with someone with a mental illness. The media tries to sell the story that those with
mental illnesses are unstable and a danger to society. While there can be negative implications,
attention in general is still a positive step in bringing awareness to the issue of mental illness
(Wahl 5). The public is slowly educated as the topic is talked about more and more.
According to Peter Byrne, author of "Stigma of Mental Illness and Ways of Diminishing
It: BJPsych Advances," In order to remain safe from judgement, service centers have to be
anonymous in order for people to remain safe from judgement. People feel unsafe seeking
treatment for potential mental illnesses because they fear being stereotyped, judged or

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discriminated against. For instance, if one discovers their friend has an appointment with a
therapist they tend to be curious as to why. The person might assume there is something wrong
with their friend, questioning their sanity. Judging situations that one does not know anything
about is a really common hole that many find themselves in. There are also many anonymous
crisis hotlines available for those who need support immediately (Byrne 4). They vary from
dealing with abuse to helping those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Chat rooms online
were created for people who choose not to meet with someone in person. This allows people to
feel safe behind a computer screen while getting support from a trained specialist. However,
these resources can only go so far to help someone in need. Treatment needs to be constant and
personal in order to work at its full potential. It is discouraging that those who struggle with
mental illnesses feel the need to hide their secret from those around them. Hiding the symptoms
of the illness could prevent them from progressing in their journey of recovery (Byrne 5).
Some people avoid seeking professional help in order to avoid being labelled. One half
to two thirds of individuals who would benefit from psychiatric services choose not to look into
getting treated (Understanding and Influencing 5). Many people claim Tthey are too afraid of
what a diagnosis would imply, potentially marking them with a label. As Christina Funk said,
People see them [those diagnosed] as their mental illness almost as if theyre defined by it.
They start to lose sight of the fact that theyre people too. For instance, someone who has
depression isnt labelled as always being depressed. Theyre experiencing depression. Its a
health issue, not their identity (Funk). People fear seeking professional help because labels have
negative connotations associated with them.
While diagnosing a mental illness is necessary for treatment, the resulting stigmatization
can have damaging effects on development in children. Stephen Hinshaw said, Labeling and

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diagnosing children incurs risk for castigation, particularly from agemates; but in some cases,
empowerment and access to services may be promoted through appropriate diagnosis (Hinshaw,
The Stigmatization 5). Discrimination takes a toll on self-esteem since the child cannot control
how people view them. The child may learn to keep to themselves more often than not,
withdrawing from normal social interactions with other children. However, the diagnosis is
needed in order to keep the child healthy and secure. Treatment to improve the condition of the
illness cannot begin until a diagnosis is given. The situation is an unfortunate result of the stigma
associated with mental illness.
The public often places blame on the family for their relatives illness. The family might
feel shame, which can lead to them withdrawing from neighbors and acquaintances. Parents of
those diagnosed are frequently blamed for somehow initiating the start of the mental illness and
are accused of not doing enough to avoid the health issue (Byrne 5). Studies show that parents of
children with mental illnesses are reluctant to enroll their kids in activities outside of the
household because theyre afraid they will be stigmatized (Chan 2).
The family takes on the burden of being stigmatized along with the member who has the
mental illness. They go through the journey with their loved one, trying to look out for them
while also trying to take care of themselves (Funk). Studies have found that while both mental
and physical illnesses take a toll on the family, mental illness has been proven to have more of a
stigma attached to it. Families reported feeling less supported if they had a loved one that was
diagnosed with a mental illness, and they said it was challenging to maintain normal
relationships with friends and neighbors after the diagnosis (Hinshaw, The Stigmatization 5). If
a person with a mental illness shows signs of growth in recovery, having a social circle that
supports them only helps them rise to be successful in their progress of recovery. Shaming family

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members of those affected can cause a relapse in ones mental illness. Family members are often
stigmatized by association, discouraging them when they need strength the most (Hinshaw, The
Stigmatization 2). On the flip side, many families are supported because people are aware that
others can be exclusive and judgmental. The situation is tough and often takes a major toll on
family members, as well as the one with the mental illness.
There are three main strategies for resisting the stigma: contact, education, and protest
(Larson 1). Contact involves someone telling their story of how they overcame their mental
illness. They share how damaging the stigma is and what it was like to struggle with the illness.
Larson said, Research has shown that single sessions of contact change prejudice and diminish
discrimination (3). Education entails advertisements, newsletters, and media campaigns that
give information on different types of mental illnesses. This technique works to promote facts
instead of myths about mental illness. Protest tackles issues and false information brought up by
public figures (Understanding and Influencing 5). Stigma change works best when specific
groups are targeted especially groups with power or authority (Larson 3). For instance, health
care providers and police officers often have contact with people with mental illnesses. These
authority figures have perceptions that directly affect the diagnosed.
More people are starting to speak up about mental illness as time evolves. Celebrities and
authors have shared their testimonies of how they suffered with mood disorders, substance abuse,
etc. In 1999, President Bill Clinton and Tipper Gore sponsored the first conference on the
importance of mental health (Hinshaw, The Mark 2). This was a huge public step towards
creating awareness for the issue. Many organizations have worked to make eliminating the
stigma an issue the public cares about. The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness

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Week, helping people take a moment to stop and think about the topic. During this time, local
psychology communities aim to educate people in the area on various aspects of mental health.
The psychology community has continuously used many efforts to communicate the issue
of the stigma behind mental illness. Multiple websites have been promoted in order to educate a
wide audience. NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, is one of Americas largest mental
health organizations that works to provide better lives for those struggling with mental illnesses
(Byrne 5). They are partnered with many communities to spread support and provide education.
The organization has a website that promotes their ability to educate, advocate, and listen. There
are many similar websites that educate the public and offer services for those in need. This genre
of communication gives many people the opportunity to expand their knowledge on the issue.
The option of a website allows those who view the page to avoid feeling pressured to believe a
certain way. However, the organizations cannot force people to look at their pages to begin the
process of becoming educated.
Public campaigns are another great tool the psychology community uses to interact with a
wide audience. NAMI won national honor for their You Are Not Alone public education
campaign (Byrne 3). The campaign used their website and social media to promote testimonies,
both written and visual, from people that have been affected by mental illness. The purpose of
this campaign was to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness, to inspire those who are
suffering, and to educate anyone who would listen. The campaign also had biographies of
famous individuals who were touched by the issue of mental illness, including Mahatma Gandhi,
Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. Public service announcements
provide an easy way to communicate support and draw attention to the issue at hand. Campaigns
present an easy way to talk about mental illness comfortably.

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B4Stage4 is another popular campaign that advocates treating mental illness as soon as
possible (Byrne 4). The campaign is founded on the basis that when someone has cancer or a
heart disease, treatment begins right away to try to prevent the spread of the disease early on.
Professionals try to reverse the symptoms right away, and there is no doubt that the illness is
serious. The psychology community believes the public should treat mental illness this way as
well. As soon as someone shows signs of having a mental illness, support and options for
treatment should be given. B4Stage4 helps communicate that having a mental illness is best
dealt with when treatment occurs as soon as possible after a diagnosis is given.
As Peter Byrne said, Stigma is hopelessness, resulting in helplessness (4). The
discrimination and stereotypes that accompany mental illness put a huge burden on those with
mental health issues, as well as those supporting the diagnosed. The stigma draws from the
publics inability and unwillingness to understand the concept of mental illness. The psychology
community has faithfully worked to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness by
providing resources to accommodate many people. Various organizations sponsor public
education campaigns to raise awareness for different aspects of mental health. The world is
progressively adopting a new, more forgiving understanding of mental illness.

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Works Cited
Byrne, Peter. "Stigma of Mental Illness and Ways of Diminishing It | BJPsych Advances."
Stigma of Mental Illness and Ways of Diminishing It | BJPsych Advances. Web. 06 Oct.
2015.
Chan, Sally Wai-Chi. "Stigma in Mental Illness: A Continuing Concern." EBSCOhost. EContent
Management Pty Ltd, 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
Films, Media Group, the Humanities Films for, and L. L. C. TED Conferences. TEDTalks Ruby
Wax - what's so Funny about Mental Illness? New York, N.Y: Films Media Group.
Funk, Christina. Personal interview. 6 October 2015.
Hinshaw, Stephen P. The Stigmatization of Mental Illness in Children and Parents:
Developmental Issues, Family Concerns, and Research Needs. Journal of Child
Psychology and Psychiatry Volume 46, Issue 7, Article 3. May 2005. Web. 02 Oct. 2015.
Hinshaw, Stephen P. and Inc ebrary. The Mark of Shame Stigma of Mental Illness and an

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Agenda for Change. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. 04 Oct.
2015.
Larson, Jon E., and Patrick Corrigan. "The Stigma of Families with Mental Illness." Academic
Psychiatry 32.2 (2008): 87-91. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
Thoits, Peggy A. "Resisting the Stigma of Mental Illness." Social Psychology Quarterly.
American Sociological Association, 2011. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.
"Understanding and Influencing the Stigma of Mental Illness." EBSCOhost. Journal of
Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Wahl, Otto F. "Media Madness." Google Books. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.ial Nursing &
Mental Health Services, 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.