Picture 4 people you know. Would it surprise you to find out on average that at least one of them will suffer from mental health issues during
their life? They may even be experiencing problems right now. Mental health isn’t
like most typical medical conditions; you can’t see it and sometimes it’s difficult
to diagnose and treat. But with 25% of people dealing with it on a daily basis,
why is such an affliction still treated as a taboo subject?
Mental Health in the Past
Mental Health in the Past
In the past attitudes towards mental health were even more
fraught with bias and stigma than now. Mental illness is nothing new or unique
to our generation, or our parents before us. These conditions are a much a part
of the human reality as any other biological ailment. Across the globe, mental
illness was something to be feared and people who needed assistance were often
imprisoned, ignored and even punished. From witch-hunts to cruel treatments and
institutions, there was little to no understanding or support available.
"people are more comfortable admitting an alcohol addiction (...) than revealing they're suffering from a mental illness"
Thankfully attitudes have moved in a more positive direction,
but recent figures reveal people are more comfortable admitting an
alcohol addiction or bankruptcy than revealing they’ re suffering from a mental
illness. So what makes people feel so embarrassed about something they have no
control over, and is so common in past and present society?
Social Perception
A big part of the taboo nature of mental illness is social
perception. Society has long stereotyped sufferers of mental illness in a
negative way; perceiving them as everything from weak to violent. They are
thought to be unable to be successful, to hold down a steady job or
relationship, are to blame for their illness, and will never recover to fit
with the norm. In reality these things are broad generalizations, but the
damage of such discrimination can cause those suffering to not want to admit it so as to avoid being labeled. Unfortunately this can further compound the
problem, as this means sufferers are not receiving any treatment and have no
outlet.
The Dangers of a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
One of the main issues people with mental illness face is the
negative cycle caused by stigma. The nature of stereotyping is that people
perceive themselves in the same light as society does. In other words because you’re told you act a certain
way then you become to accept it and behave in that way. For example you’re
told as a person with a mental illness that it’s unlikely you’re able to have a
healthy relationship, so you stop seeking one. You’re labeled and put into the
box of ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety’ and it can become difficult for others (and
yourself) to break out of that.
How to Tackle the Taboo
In the last decade there have been many steps taken to try
and curb the taboo and stigma associated with mental health, but more needs to
be done. Many campaigns (like The Lions Barber Collective) are focused on getting people to talk about mental
health and normalize conversations of this nature. Building up awareness and
understanding are two key factors in this struggle towards a more accepting
society; the eventual aim is for people not to be ashamed, and to feel
comfortable seeking help. The more we read, share and discuss, the more we can
stop stigma in its tracks.
By Kimberley Parker
“We whisper about
mental health issues and avoid asking too many questions. The brain is a body
part, too. We just know less about it. And there should be no shame in
discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people
that we love.” – Barack Obama
