According to a recent study, people with depression experience less discrimination and hostility in the United States. However, researchers have noted an increase in negative attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and alcoholism. ” [S]the stigma towards people with depression has decreased considerably, ”observed researchers at Indiana University. But it is unique to depression because “levels of stigma for other mental illnesses have remained stagnant and, in some cases, have increased,” say the experts in their study published in JAMA. Open network. “Stigma translates into so many issues, including the reluctance of people to seek care, our shortage of mental health professionals, and the reluctance of the United States to invest resources in the mental health sector,” says Bernice. Pescosolido, co-author of the study and emeritus professor of sociology. at IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences.
To measure the rate of mental illness stigma in the United States, researchers analyzed responses from more than 4,100 adults collected in national stigma surveys conducted between 1996 and 2018.
Between 1996 and 2006, Americans report being “more and more convinced that mental health problems are caused by genetics or brain disturbances, rather than by moral causes.” when “fewer Americans … expressed reluctance to interact with people described as having major depression.”
“It is encouraging to find more progressive attitudes towards mental illness among millennials,” noted Brea Perry, study co-author and professor of sociology at IU. She lamented that there is still a lot of progress to be made regarding the stigma of schizophrenia and alcohol dependence.
The researchers recommend introducing concepts at school to improve knowledge regarding mental illnesses and thus limit stigma in the future.
In recent years, several celebrities have spoken publicly regarding their own struggles with depression, including Demi Lovato, Pete Davidson, Taraji P.Henson and Justin Bieber.
Read all the latest news, breaking news and news on the coronavirus here.
Not all news on the site expresses the point of view of the site, but we transmit this news automatically and translate it using programmatic technology on the site and not from a human editor.
Breaking the Stigma: A Mixed Bag for Mental Health
As I delved into the recent study published in JAMA, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s heartening to learn that people with depression are experiencing less discrimination and hostility in the United States. This decrease in stigma is a significant step towards creating a more understanding and accepting society.
However, the study also reveals a concerning trend. Negative attitudes towards people with schizophrenia and alcoholism have increased, while the levels of stigma for other mental illnesses have remained stagnant. This paradox is a stark reminder that the journey towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is long and fraught with challenges.
So, what exactly is stigma? According to [1], stigma, as it relates to mental health, is when people who experience mental illness are viewed or view themselves in a negative light. This negative perception can lead to social isolation, poor relationships, and even delayed or foregone treatment.
The importance of addressing stigma cannot be overstated. As [2] notes, stigma and discrimination can worsen mental health problems and create a barrier to seeking help. Furthermore, this can exacerbate social isolation and further entrench the vicious cycle of mental health issues.
So, what can be done to address this pressing issue? According to [3], reducing stigma requires a multifaceted approach that involves challenging stereotypes and promoting education and awareness about behavioral health conditions.
As the study highlights, the reluctance of people to seek care, the shortage of mental health professionals, and the lack of investment in the mental health sector are all interconnected issues that are deeply rooted in stigma. Bernice Pescosolido, co-author of the study, rightly points out that stigma translates into a multitude of problems, and it’s high time we addressed this elephant in the room.
while the study offers some hope for those struggling with depression, it also serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. We must continue to educate ourselves and others about mental health, challenge negative stereotypes, and promote inclusivity and acceptance. By doing so, we can create a society that not only acknowledges the complexities of mental health but also empowers individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or retribution.
