THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILNESS

THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER,

DEPRESSION, AND SCHIZOPHRENIA.
Jessica Fernandes, Rob Kelly, John Amos, Eric Goldrup, Eric Hibbs, Stephanie,
Shihan Shea
Student I.D: 7314008, 6275564, 6910251, 7173271, 7276066, 743112, 6674642
SOC1070 Sec 1
Friday, March 11th, 2016

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This paper will demonstrate a clear, comprehensive analysis of the stigma of

mental illness; specifically placing emphasis upon obsessive compulsive disorder,
depression and schizophrenia. The literature will provide a detailed exploration of
stigma. Results of the stigmatization will show the effects of labeling theory. Moreover,
presenting factors that decrease quality of life for the elderly, will be demonstrated by
viewing the outcome of stigmatization. Lastly, importance to the treatment regarding the
stigma of mental illness will be explored through constructive ideology.
Literature Review
The Stigma of Mental Illness
The stigma of mental illness significantly contributes to how individuals are
observed by society. There is a prominent concern towards the lack of respect and
recognition received by those who suffer from schizophrenia, depression and OCD
(obsessive compulsive disorder). Populations participate in acts of discrimination;
consequently, directing people suffering from mental illness to go as far as stigmatizing
themselves (Arboleda-Flores & Sartorius, 2008). In the act of stigmatizing themselves
they conform to labeling theory. Labeling theory constricts those suffering with mental
illness from prospering in the community. Confusion around their identity transforms
their status in society, thus resulting in deviant behavior (Metzl, 2015, p.1-3). Labeling
theory identifies that people suffering from mental illness will live up to the label they are
given; furthermore, theyll exemplify mentally ill behavior. Extreme effects are then
imposed on the future of society. The deviant behavior demonstrated by stigmatized

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individuals causes them to cycle through the criminal justice system. These criminal
acts represent feelings of anger and resentment of the label bestowed upon them.
Shaming from society encourages people to demonstrate negative behaviors (Lucksted,
Drapalski, 2015). Later on, becoming diagnosed with a mental illness can have drastic
effects; secrecy is commonly used to cope. Secrecy involves concealment of
information about their stigma to friends, family and employers. These individuals
experience mass amounts of distress over the anticipated discrimination that they may
encounter. Some take a different approach, attempting to educate those around them
expecting to diminish the stigma of mental illness. Moreover, suffers may choose to
withdraw, limiting contact with those who have knowledge or have accepted their mental
illness (Ray, Dollar, 2014, p. 721-723). The acts of secrecy, withdrawal, and the effort to
educate are attempts to cope with the debilitating stigma. Regardless of age or gender,
isolation reduces quality of life (Rosenfeild, 1997).
Stigma in Relation to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Although OCD was once considered rare, more recent estimates indicate that roughly
2% of people will experience OCD in their life time, because of this there has been a
slight increase of attention seen by the media. OCD represented by the media restricts
the variation of symptoms shown, thereby misrepresenting the disorder (Fennell, 2014).
The media creates stereotypes that misrepresent people with OCD as having a primary
fixation in others, such as stalkers. Professionals who specialize in stigma concluded
that people who demonstrate severe symptoms experience a poorer quality of life than
those who had not received a diagnosis (Gentle, 2014). The label bestowed upon them
causes impairment in work, role and social functioning (Abramowitz,et al., 2014). There

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is a need to remove obstacles, in doing this people will seek the help they need as they
reduce the barriers associated with accessing traditional face-to-face treatment; barriers
such as cost, inconvenience, social stigma, and personal embarrassment (Mahoney, et
al,. 2014). There is a fear that psychiatric involvement will contribute to the negative
label of being mentally ill. Furthermore, self stigmatization creates fear to receive
diagnoses because of the focus towards extreme cases seen in the media such as
Hoarding: Buried Alive. People are reluctant to accept treatment because of how their
family and peers will perceive them as well. The risk of being stigmatized and rejected
by society facilitates reluctant behavior, enforcing alternative routes to get better
(Ociskova, M. etc 2015). Those with OCD believe that they are able to control
inappropriate thoughts, therefore a strong effort is made towards doing so.
Stigma in Relation to Depression
Depression is characterized by feelings of excessive sadness, despair, guilt and in
some cases, suicidal intentions (Wood, et al., 2015). The stigma surrounding
depression is one of the biggest obstacles preventing people who suffer from
depression from seeking medical help or advice. People suffering from this mental
illness are usually socially distanced and out casted by their peer group. Being
ostracized and left without any social support may cause the sufferer to withdraw even
more in fear of experiencing further feelings of abandonment (Tzouvara, Papadopoulos,
2014). Views on depression are stigmatized as being moody or hormonal, this
generalization delegitimizes serious concerns. Furthermore, people suffering from
depression are labelled as lazy from their symptoms of fatigue (Jacob, Skinner, 2015).
The stigma associated with depression and other mental illnesses creates a warped

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view for both the people suffering and society as well. Instead of seeking ways to
enable treatment, society avoids acknowledging the severity of depression, leaving
many to suffer in silence (Hanisch, et al., 2016).
Stigma in Relation to Schizophrenia
The stigma of mental health surrounding schizophrenia, has been identified as one of
the major barriers to obtaining help for this psychiatric illness (Golberstein, 2008).
Mental health consumers have been prevented from accessing public health services
for mental health because of a perceived stigma against anyone with mental health
problems. This comes, despite great interest in the issue from policy planners (E.
Golberstein, 2008). Thus, the sufferer must not only deal with an illness that slowly robs
them of control and sense of self, but is prevented by societal pressure from accessing
the vary services that are intended to help the sufferer.
Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the area of schizophrenia. According to the
Mayo Clinic, Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality
abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions,
and extremely disordered thinking and behavior (The Mayo Clinic, 2016). This
suggests that the disorder is particularly susceptible to being noticed by the family and
friends of the sufferer and that it causes a great deal of disruption to their lives.
The Impact of Stigma and its Effects on the Elderly
Effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Although the stigma surrounding OCD is not at an extreme in the media, there
has been contributions made that are promoting self diagnoses in people suffering with

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mental illness. Unfortunately, because of the coverage, people have refused to seek
help for OCD and have progressively become worse. To result in greater support, a
system must be put in place to eliminate fear. Preventing media from only portraying
OCD at its worst would be beneficial.
Obsessive compulsive disorder effects the elderly, frequently they are unable to
manage their own needs let alone their compulsions, because of this they tend to resort
to hoarding. Pre-Alzheimers can trigger hoarding behaviours. Elderly people are prone
to experience anxiety outliving their resources they begin to collect and save.
Unfortunately, overwhelming feelings are present, without having knowledge of
available resources, the elderly lack motivation to get better so they resort to hoarding
as a comfort of control. It can be hard to treat these patients because Alzheimers
makes it harder to change their thinking patterns for them to receive treatment. Some
seniors dont ever get diagnosed as they think OCD is manageable untreated.
Effects of Depression
Depression affects all age groups; its effects can be felt in most areas of our lives
whether physical or emotional. The stigma surrounding it however, has an even greater
effect on those suffering. Most people do not take depression seriously enough,
believing it to be a condition that one can simply get over if they have the willpower
(Jacob, Skinner, 2015). Social exclusion and labels such as loner and awkward are
tremendously damaging to internalize. The result of such behaviour can prevent
emotional and mental development. The ability to trust and form new relationships may
be compromised, creating resentment towards a society that, they feel, has wronged
them (Jacob, Skinner, 2015).

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Elderly people suffering from depression have even less support than their younger
counterparts. Most seniors lack any social support, with their issues brushed aside they
are labelled senile due to age and disconnect with the modern world. (Tzouvara,
Papadopoulos, 2014). Within society, an expectation is put upon seniors to be strong
and have their emotions in order to fulfill their roles as being sources of wisdom and
guidance for the younger generation. Seniors, in an attempt to fulfill the role of society,
will try to handle what they perceive as a weakness, by themselves. (Tzouvara, V., &
Papadopoulos, C. 2014).
Effects of Schizophrenia
There are two types of stigma surrounding mental health. The first is social stigma or
prejudice attitudes and discriminatory behaviors due to an individuals diagnosis with a
mental illness. The second is self-stigma or a perception of prejudice and discrimination
felt by an individual which they believe is due to their diagnosis with a mental illness
(Davey, 2013). Both types of stigma require different methods of social activism to
combat them. Social stigma can be combated by teaching people facts about the
illness. To focus of schizophrenia, this would include teaching people that yes they tend
to be more violent, but only when abusing drugs or alcohol (four times more likely to
commit a violent offence); but, once drugs and alcohol are removed from the situation
they are only 1.2 times more likely to commit a violent offence (Whiteman, 2014).
This would go a long way in destroying some of the stigma that acts against the elderly.
There is an impact on older people attempting to enter old age homes as they are
viewed as high risk and violent. Families also want to avoid being burdened with this
risk. Families also demonstrate prejudicial behaviors towards members with

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schizophrenia. Families can be hesitant to seek professional help because of the

stereotypes associated. Public attitudes place blame on family members facilitating
feelings of disgrace and humiliation (Mahmoud, 2015, p.82-98).
The second type of stigma impacting people with mental health is self-stigma. Again, to
focus on schizophrenia, a good message would involve fighting the stigma around
people with schizophrenia (or any other mental disorder/illness) not being functional
members of society, a commonly held misconception according to Center for Addiction
and Mental Health, 2012. If more people suffering with schizophrenia felt they were
welcome in the work force and were giving the opportunity to make up for lost time
which could have been spent on education and/or training, two of the biggest problems
facing schizophrenics (or anyone with a mental health issue) as stated by Davey, (2013)
and Whiteman, (2014). Then more would not only seek out employment, but would also
probably further their recovery by staying active socially. The issue of unemployment
among the demographic diagnosed is so bad that only 15% of schizophrenics in the
United States of America are employed (Whiteman, 2014). This also has a huge impact
on youths and elderly. Youths, because of their inability to start off strong in life and build
independence. And elderly, because of their inability to save up over the course of their
lives to live independently during this life stage.
Fighting both types of stigma will further improve the lives of schizophrenics and all
people living with mental health issues and focusing on these two groups.

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Conclusion in Coherence with Cultural Diversity

The stereotypes around mental illness are similar to those around racism and
sexism, in that they systematically dehumanize the target demographic (Center for
Addiction and Mental Health, 2012). They open the doors for prejudice and
discrimination. Mental illness can be closely related to the isms (eg. Sexism Racism
and Ableism) in the relation of people suffering and have trouble finding work
(Whiteman, 2014) and are viewed as dangerous or incompetent (Davey, 2013). This is
another way of the intolerant saying that this demographic is lesser within society. In
some ways the prejudice around mental illness is worse because of the prejudice and
discrimination that even close friends and family hold toward the person suffering from
the illness (Davey, 2013).
The groups especially vulnerable to this stigma as discussed earlier in this paper are
the elderly. Therefore, special interest should be shown to this group when preparing
awareness and anti-stigma campaigns. It should be made clear that this group
represents the time in ones life when support is of greatest need. A good understanding
of struggles theyre going through is key to ensure they thrive during these periods.
The stigma around mental health is a big issue. And, like most of the issues talked
about in the Cultural Diversity there is an endless list as to why we must make
contributions to end prejudice and discrimination. The amount of publicity it has gotten
recently is good news that attention is beginning to be granted. Projects within courses
like this destroy prejudice and stigma and leave room for understanding.

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