Society’s constant stigmatization of mental illness is taking a toll on youth. This is evident in the amount of people coming forward about their illness, the increase in suicide rates and the lack of assistance mentally ill people receive. With so many people suffering from the effects that come along with mental illnesses, the stigma surrounding it should be eliminated, but evidently this is not the case. Society is still ignorant of the risk of these illnesses.
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Mental health stigma has received more attention in recent years since mental health is a critical factor in shaping the self. Societal perceptions of mental disorders influence treatment initiation and continuation. However, with so much criticism of mental illness in society, most people keep their illness a secret.
There are more than two hundred classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders include: clinical depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders, for example,not only impact the individual but also the family and friends of that person.
In a society where people are constantly being put down for having a mental illness, it becomes inevitable that individuals suffering will be afraid to open up. The number of people coming forward with their mental illnesses has decreased significantly in the past decade alone. Statistically, for every five people suffering from a mental illness, only two speak up and receive the help they so rightfully deserve (ontario.cmha.ca).
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Social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook play a massive role in determining the way individuals think and what information they are presented with when it comes to mental health. Specifically, people that are undergoing an eating disorder and depression are often the ones that are more frequently targeted on social media. But why? Why are people being targeted for their effort to talk about their illness? Because, people fear what they cannot understand so they criticize it. The education system also perpetuates the mental health stigma. While it dictates that students be well-informed on the effects of drugs and practicing safe sex, the education system does not address the realities of mental illnesses. So, instead of giving into this ignorance, do your own research, try to help those who need it but are repressed and unable to ask.
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You can help. Stand up and speak out. Help those people who need it and end the stigma. Mental health matters and so do you.