Can the Stigma of Mental Health Care Be Reduced?

[rangerrebew]

Can the Stigma of Mental Health Care Be Reduced?

More work needs to be done to erase the embarrassment or shame surrounding mental illness.
By David Levine, Contributor July 13, 2018, at 3:41 p.m.

U.S. News & World Report

Reducing the Mental Health Care Stigma
 

"The first thing we need is to keep working on the message that mental illness is a real medical disorder, a brain disease, and that we have effective treatments that people need to take full advantage of."(Getty Images)

Mental illness, like physical illness, is often the result of a combination of biological and behavioral issues. Some people are genetically predisposed to heart disease, for instance, and increase their chances for developing it by eating junk food and spending too much time on the couch. The same can be said for depression. But few people feel stigmatized by heart disease, while countless numbers of those suffering from a mental illness feel shame, embarrassment or guilt over their disorder.

The stigma of mental illness has profound effects on its diagnosis and treatment. A research review of 22 studies, published in the journal BMC Psychiatry in 2010, found that stigma and embarrassment were among the most-often listed reasons why young patients with mental illness did not adhere to their medication regimens. The stigma of mental illness stops many people from admitting their problems and seeking treatment in the first place.

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-07-13/can-the-stigma-of-mental-health-care-be-reduced

[rangerrebew]

There is plenty of good reason to believe Abraham Lincoln was mono-poler but that is almost never mentioned in writings about him.  Stigma?

[Gefn]

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[truth_seeker]

My younger sister has been treated for depression all of her adult life.

She is truly a good person, now taking care of our bedridden 93 year old mother.

We have reason, to believe it is hereditary from our father's side.

One thing is for sure: The meds are vital.

[RoosGirl]

My younger sister has been treated for depression all of her adult life.

She is truly a good person, now taking care of our bedridden 93 year old mother.

We have reason, to believe it is hereditary from our father's side.

One thing is for sure: The meds are vital.

I hope she has a lot of relief from the other brothers/sisters or hired help from taking care of your mom.  That kind of thing can wear on even the most mentally healthy.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I think removal of the word "Mental" would go a long way in removing the stigma. 

Maybe replace "mental" with "biochemical" or something like it to better define the origin of the condition --- removing causation from something negative about the person.  Transfer the medical condition from the patient/person to the biological where it belongs.   Treatment through drug modalities would also become more understandable and accepted, further removing the stigma.

[SZonian]

Seeking treatment, even visiting a mental health facility can be a career killer as well.

This is why so many in the military don't seek help or even an analysis to see if treatment is required or not.

[Suppressed]

I think removal of the word "Mental" would go a long way in removing the stigma. 

Maybe replace "mental" with "biochemical" or something like it to better define the origin of the condition --- removing causation from something negative about the person.  Transfer the medical condition from the patient/person to the biological where it belongs.   Treatment through drug modalities would also become more understandable and accepted, further removing the stigma.

Many of the mental-health problems don't involve biochemistry (directly).