PROMPT QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think there is so much stigma associated with mental illness? What factors do you think contribute to self-stigma?

2. In what ways might a person’s culture impact their response to mental illness? Consider, for example, how religiousness/spirituality might intertwine with a person’s conceptualization of wellness and illness.

I think there are negative stigmas associated with mental illness because the having this illness is not something that you can typically see on the outside. People tend to be afraid of concepts that they don’t understand. An average person cannot comprehend what goes on in the mind of an individual that has a mental illness. Therefore, their immediate reaction is to fear that person for having differences that are not physical. This reaction shouldn’t be logical, but it is a real problem. This leads to a stigma that associates negative connotations towards mental illness. Self-stigma can be created from the fear of how others react towards mental illness. This individual might try to bottle up their mental illness in the fear of others’ reactions, which can further the illness. Not only that, but they might not seek help as a result of the stigma.

Some religions are not accepting towards mental illnesses. Throughout history, there have been many occurrences where people had been hidden away from society because their religion stated that they have been cursed by a spiritual entity. Many religious psych wards were created to hide these individuals, as well as harm them behind closed doors. Although these facilities are no longer allowed in the United States, there still are stigmas regarding mental health within religious groups. If an individual is struggling with a mental illness, they may have created a negative self-stigma. This again could lead to the illness worsening as well as a lack of reaching out for help.