By Suleiman Tajudeen
…continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS— mental illness was often treated with exorcisms and other forms of spiritual intervention.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, mental illness was often treated with institutionalization and lobotomy.
The institutionalisation movement of the 1960s aimed to promote community-based care. The mental health movement of the 20th century aimed to reduce stigma and promote awareness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Mental Health Action Plan in 2013.
The United Nations (UN) launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which include mental health targets.
The WHO declared mental health a global priority in 2018. The global mental health movement continues to grow and evolve up to date.
Causes of stigmatization:
Lack of understanding and awareness
Misconceptions and stereotypes
Fear and anxiety
Cultural and societal norms
Media representation
Stigma internalization
Social exclusion
Discrimination
Lack of education and training
Inadequate policies and laws.
Effects of Stigmatisation on Mental Illness in General
delayed treatment-seeking
Social isolation and exclusion.
Low self-esteem and self-bloke.
Poor mental health outcomes.
Reduced social support
Increased symptoms and relapse.
Difficulty in education and employment.
Stigma internalization.
Reduced quality of life.
Increased risk of suicide.
Effects of Stigmatisation
Emotional distress.
Feelings of shame and guilt.
Loss of identity.
Social withdrawal.
Decreased motivation.
Poor self-care.
Increased stress.
Difficulty in relationships.
Reduced access to healthcare.
Increased risk of homelessness and poverty.
Prevention, management
education and awareness campaigns
Contact-based interventions
Stigma reduction programs
Mental health literacy training
Anti-stigma initiatives
Support groups
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Family and social support
Policy and legislative changes
Media representation and advocacy.
Major strategies to reduce stigmatization in our society:
Promote understanding and awareness,
Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
Encourage help-seeking behavior.
Foster inclusive and supportive environments.
Empower individuals to speak out.
Provide accessible and stigma-free services
Support research and evaluation.
Develop, implement policies and laws.
Engage in advocacy and activism to encourage positive mental health in our society.
Foster a culture of acceptance and understanding of mental health in our society.
In conclusion, stigmatization is a major barrier to seeking treatment and recovery for individuals with mental illness. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. Education, awareness, and contact-based interventions can help reduce stigma and promote mental health literacy.
Policy and legislative changes can also help promote inclusive and supportive environments. Stigmatization requires a comprehensive approach to address, including education, awareness, and contact-based interventions, as well as policy and legislative changes to achieve our noble objectives of mental health education.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Mental health stigma.
Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2017). The stigma of mental illness: Models and strategies for change. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 537-548.
Glinka, A., & Schomerus, G. (2018). Stigma and mental illness: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 225, 115-126.
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. Contact number: +234 803 402 4457
