STIGMA?

Mental health has always existed but not always been recognised, and almost half of people in England will experience lapses in mental health in their life, whether it be depression or psychosis (McManus et al, 2009). Historically, mental illness was often associated with something that went against the norm, usually involving homosexuality or exceedingly intelligent people, which has (thank god!) been changed. If we look globally, mental health treatment is much further developed in the UK, than in certain areas of the world, and it is important to identify that certain ethnicities are more likely to be diagnosed than white British people. However, the language and understanding of the contexts around mental health diagnosis hasn’t really developed. Arguably, there is a disconnection between primary socialisation and education with the knowledge of mental health, (Du et al, 2019).

There has long since been a stigma around having mental health, getting mental help, or admitting that you are not okay. Why is that? Where did this come from? Studies show that stigma itself is being acknowledged as a ‘second illness’ (Finzen, 1996) as often people deal with their diagnosis and the impact that comes with it. Furthermore, Corrigan and Watson (2002) suggested that often when people are labelled in society, it makes them accept these views and emotions towards their disorder, and therefore internalise the stigma, almost acting it out within themselves. This could explain the lowered self-esteem and lack of motivation to get help that people with mental health problems struggle with. The reason behind this research is because it has long since been affecting peoples everyday lives and this needs to change.

For example, social stigma and harassment is still a common everyday situation, and employment rates are as low as 20%. It impacts on all social structures, which eventually causes a roll-on effect to the mental health problem itself (Knifton,2012).  

One study carried out by Eads et al (2020) looked at the effects of diagnostic labelling, and the impact received by patients. The study showed that labelling and stigma was only one side, and that patients experienced positive perceptions such as understanding that something was wrong with them. However, it is significant to suggest that these labels have an impact on the recovery process and the self-perception of the patients. For example, if someone with depression gets this diagnostic label but is already dealing with low self-worth, this negative perception of the label may hinder their recovery and hope. Another study looking within the contexts of different ethnic groups suggests that Black Americans with a diagnostic label of mental illness are perceived more dangerous than white Americans with a diagnostic label, (Whaley, 1997). Thus, emphasizing the difference of the contexts behind the language attached to a certain group. 

When looking at stigma, it’s pivotal to look at sociological methods, and the reasons behind why labelling language can have a huge impact, and affect everyday input, specifically in mental health. As humans, we have an innate desire to fit in, be understood and be liked. Sociologists such as Morgan (1975) and Illich (1976) criticise the medical model for its diagnostic methods and try to implicate a social problem into a medical one. They believe that mental illness has a sociological basis, and this could relate to my problem of language. Evidence suggests that withdrawal, reduced self esteem and reluctance to get help stems from the stigma associated with their label, the diagnostic language. Therefore, a sociological basis, not a medical one.