By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Stigmatization refers to the process of assigning negative labels or stereotypes to an individual or group, leading to social exclusion, rejection, and discrimination. It also involves the use of negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards individuals with mental illness.
Stigmatization can be explicit or implicit, and it can be perpetuated by individuals, institutions, and society as a whole. It is a major barrier to seeking treatment and recovery for individuals with mental illness.
It can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and poor mental health outcomes. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address.
Stigmatisation can be perpetuated through language, media representation, and social interactions. It can lead to discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare.
Stigmatization can be internalised by individuals with mental illness, leading to self-stigma. It is a major public health concern that requires attention and action by the mental health practitioners and the general public.
Mental illness refers to a range of conditions that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and behaviour such as depression, anxiety, schisophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Mental illness can be acute or chronic, it can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, or background. It is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
Mental illness can be treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, early intervention and treatment can improve mental health cases.
It is important to note that mental illness is not a sign of weakness or personal failure, It is a brain disorder that requires medical attention and support.
Mental illness can affect daily life, relationships and overall well-being. Recovery is possible with proper treatment and support by family members and the general public.
Mental illness affects approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide, with stigma and discrimination being major barriers to seeking treatment and recovery. Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to seeking treatment and recovery.
Mental illness is the leading cause of disability Globally.
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 264 million people worldwide. Schizophrenia affects approximately 20 million people worldwide (American Psychological Association, 2020).
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 60 million people worldwide. Mental illness is a major cause of mortality, with approximately 800,000 people dying by suicide each year (WHO, 2019).
Mental illness affects individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents etc.
Mental illness is a major economic burden, with estimated costs of over $1 trillion annually.
Historical perspective:
Historically, mental illness has been stigmatized, with individuals being ostracized, locked away, or subjected to inhumane treatments, In ancient times, mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes.
In the Middle Ages,…
To be continued…
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. +234 803 402 4457
