Stigma and Mental Illness: Get The Facts

What is Stigma?

Stigma is a mark of attitude of society that sets a person as part of a group, by placing a label that is seen as a stereotype, such as an illness, a deformity, a color, a nationality, a religion, etc. Stigma creates prejudgments and discrimination. This HAS TO STOP!

Let's place stigma aside and pretend for a minute that we all communicate with one another with honestly, freedom and free of judgments... just for a brief moment, let's try and see what happens...

Mental illness comes in different forms, shapes and severity. It may be someone whom you've known for years, or it may be someone you've crossed path with who seemed perfectly "normal", but yet, how do we define "normal"? They may be dealing with a severe mental illness, a transient depression or recently lived a traumatic event and was left marked by it. Perhaps they've come to accept it and now live with it everyday, or maybe they're struggling to get through it, who really knows... certainly not by us judging, and obviously not with stigma.

When it comes to this sensitive subject often stigma will stand in the way and stop someone from speaking out or obtaining the help they desperately need. We seem to be open to talk about all sorts of troubles and problems, but as soon as mental illness is mentioned everyone seems to shut down or point at one another. Though if the illness is related to a post-menopause or a post physical injury, for instance, only then it's Ok to talk about since the blame goes on a concrete "physical" phenomenon, whereas if someone is dealing or suffering from an anxiety disorder or panic attacks, it becomes unacceptable because there are no evident sources for their birth. Well, as far as they know someone with a mental illness should be in a wheel chair and be dependent of everyone. Idealistically the only phenomenon that should stand between the diagnosis and the patient is the ability for one to overcome the challenge, and not the misleading label.

When a person is stigmatized he or she is instantly labeled as diagnosis "A", which would restrict the patient from seeking any other possible treatments, or even get a slight chance at looking at other recovery or healing avenues.

Now, let's take a moment to look at some important facts.

Note: The following statistics are from a Canadian stand point and researches were conducted nationally (Canadian-wide only). Please also keep in mind that these stats are not live, and only includes Canadians who have been reported or identified, therefore these numbers today would likely be much higher (nothing was submitted on my behalf...).

People and Mental Illness

1 in 5 adult will suffer a mental disorder in their lifetime.

12% of the population will suffer from an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

8% of the population will suffer from a major depression in their lifetime.

9% of men and 16% of women are affected by some type of mental illness.

43% of adults suffer from poor health due to stress.

18% of young adults aged of 15 – 24 have reported some type of mental illness or substance abuse problem.

Anxiety leads with 6.5% being the most common problem among children and youth.

Anxiety disorder and depression are the most common types of mental illnesses.

The highest rate of depression symptoms are under 20 years of age.

The highest rate of anxiety symptoms are between 20 – 29 years of age.

Types of anxiety disorders affecting the population:

• Specific Phobia: 6.2 – 8.0%
• Social Phobia: 6.7%
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: 1.8%
• Generalized Anxiety: 1.1%
• Panic Disorder: 0.7%
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: N/A

Homeless

86% of homeless people have had either a mental illness or a substance abuse diagnosis.

75% of homeless have a substance abuse problem.

Only 22% of homeless said that their illness was the reason they became homeless.

Employment and Mental Illness

1 in 3 adult either turned down for a job for which they were qualified, or dismissed or forced to resign, once it was known that they had a mental illness.

70 – 90% of people are unemployed due to serious mental illness.

75% of short term Canadian disability claims are related to mental illness.

Health Care

Depression and psychological stress are the strongest predictor of physician visits and hospitalization.

Mood disorders was known as the most common psychiatric diagnosis for admission to general hospitals.

Substance Abuse

30% of people diagnosed with a mental illness have a substance abuse problem.

Depression is a common health consequence of heavy drinking.

18% of seniors are hospitalized because of heavy drinking.

Facts about Stigma

The prototypical image of disability recognized by most Canadians is the wheel chair.

67% agree that chronic depression is a disability, and 66% believe that mental illness is a common disorder.

58% think depression is most common.

79% recognize the symptoms of depression, 45% recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia, and 39% recognize the symptoms of anxiety.

33% think mental health problems are rare.

55% think psychiatric medications are harmful.

33% would recommend non-medical solutions.

59% believe people can recover from mental illness.

42% say they would be uncomfortable revealing that they had a mental illness.

44% say a person with mental illness would have a hard time holding a job.

Based on diagnosis, mental illness are related to biology and genetics:

• Schizophrenia: 48%
• Depression: 27%
• Anxiety: 21%

World Facts

2% of the world’s population are affected by a serious mental illness.

Depression is the fourth leading cause of disability and premature death in the world.

Our Verdict

We find that these statistics, though this particular data does not capture worldwide as well as by keeping in mind their accuracy, indicate that people who are suffering are afraid to say everything, or anything, likely lack education around mental health and mental illness, or perhaps feel powerless in some way or another. The stats also show that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not recognized as a leading factor, when it could very well be the leading cause of anxiety and/or depression, yet very few seem to link the two.

We hope that these information can help reduce the harmful effects of stigma...

Please share the love ♥

Namaste

Sources: Stigma, Canadian Statistics
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Fearing Anxiety or A Panic Attack? Not Today!

I fear...

• pain
• lost
• failure
• not "making it"
• hopelessness
• my well-being
• other's well-being
• my reputation
• my career
• my health
• anxiety
• a panic attack, etc.

Fear seems to be the root of all evil, and for those who live with a type of anxiety disorder, that it's Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder (PD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Separation Anxiety Disorder or a specific phobia, all imply to be reunited under the umbrella of fear.

If we look closely at the word "fear" we are able to comprehend why our bodies react the way they do:

Fear
[ fir ]
noun
— a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.

Now let's look at its antonyms:

Antonyms:
— courage, security, calm, intrepidity, assurance, calmness, cheer, confidence, contentment, ease, faith, happiness, joy, trust, comfort, liking, love, bravery, courage, fearlessness, heroism, unconcern.

The reason for this close-up is to carefully examine the two extremes: the effect it has on us, and what we can do to help prevent this unwanted feeling. Whether the fear we have is real or imaginary, the effects are very much the same.

When we think of an event that took place or a future scenario which cause us negative emotions or feelings, it may accelerate into a stronger emotion such as fear, even though it is not actually happening. This fear is only imaginary -- it is NOT real, only it "feels" like it is.

As we know fear is subsequent to some kind of real life events or lived experiences, however we can be left reassured that fear is not a manifestation forthcoming the event or experience itself, but a manifestation within our minds.

There are a number of reasons for one to be afraid of, and of course those depend on each and one of us as we all have walked different paths. For example, personally I fear of public speaking and heights. I find that my anxiety is easily triggered when I'm about to speak in front of multiple people, (e.g., at a meeting) v.s one on one. Also, my fear of heights seems to obstruct my ability to enjoy a nice sunny day on my balcony from the 11th floor. These may be common but not for everyone. So what now, should I continue "live in fear" or is there something I can do to get over these?

Here is something I'd like to share with you which has helped me tremendously when in a fearful situation:

Firstly, fear, when recognized, can then be controlled. It's when we don't know what's happening to us that we continue to fear, and for the majority of us there are no apparent reasons behind it. The magical revolution of knowing about our fears, and most importantly accepting them for what they are and showing themselves to us, can make the entire difference when we're in a panicky mode.

Secondly, the moment that fear decides to show itself, that it's due to an obvious situation where we would normally be fearful, or while completing a daily task, fear is an emotion, just like any other, which can be controlled or avoided, bottom line -- fear is in our heads.

Finally, here are a few tricks (memos and self-talks) that perhaps can also be helpful to you:

Fear of heights

If you are grounded you are very much safe, and you won't go nowhere! There is nothing to fear about, in fact let go of that fear and trust. There is absolutely nothing else to do, but trust.

Social phobia or fear of public speaking

You are who you are and no one else has a say in it. As long as you are comfortable and accept yourself for who you've become or who you will become, your only duty is to be that person. Detach yourself from other's options, thoughts and judgments of you, because they don't define you, they define them. So don't over think or analyse anything -- just express yourself with respect, confidence and freedom.

Fear of anxiety

Oh dear anxiety, how I wish I never met you. Though, I am happy that you were able to give me a better understanding of myself, my insecurities, my fears, and my emotional behaviours. I now know, because of you, that I was doing it all wrong. However, today I choose not to make you a part of me anymore (my fears), and unconditionally and with all due respect, you are dismissed -- as if you were never here. Now moving on without you. Take Care.

Fear of a panic attack

These can be tricky, as they come and go and sometimes with no warnings. A panic attacks happens when our body feels as if it's in danger, and it reacts by producing a burst of adrenaline as a force to protect itself in case of danger (I'd like to emphases on the "in case"), just like it would in a real moment of danger. In fact, constantly "living in fear" has to come with some kind of side effect. But know that there is no "real" danger. By fearing our anxiety or another panic attack, the only thing this is actually doing is giving them our attention, and so they will respond by coming back. We should NOT let them "unreal fears" take over our majestic powerful and dominating minds. What we can do in a moment of fear (especially when alone in panic) is to remain silent, try to reassure and calm ourselves down, acknowledge that our body is responding only accordingly, not to think of why and instead just acknowledge, close our eyes (at least try if you can), find that inner peace that lies beneath the pain, feel the nothingness that can be found. and slowly let the pain find its way out. We should always stay focused and not let go until we feel calm and completely reassured. Then, move on with your day knowing you just defeated a panic attack, and well aware that you are in control. A panic attack doesn't have to last for hours, or not even for 5 minutes. The length of a panic attack will depend on us, and our surrounding, of course.

Conclusion

Know that these specific fears (whatever they may be) are only a manifestation of the mind, and for that being said there are actually no real reasons to fear. The more we commit to our fear the more likely it will pursuit, yet the quicker we put our attention away from it and focus on peacefulness or nothingness that actually exists, the quicker we will reconnect with ourselves, and realize that we are in control.

The fear of living with anxiety or yet to live another panic attack is a fear within itself, and it's powerful enough to keep us in fear for a long time. However, the power of the mind is significantly stronger than any fear, and practicing techniques such as this one is an art -- the art of mindfulness.

We've got this -- we ARE in control! Fear? Bring it on! We can handle you!

Namaste

Source
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Lets Redefine The Meaning Of Mental Disease

Hello again! 

We are back and with a new look :)

Today we wish to talk about a very delicate topic, because we find that there is a tremendous amount of stigma around this, and we hope to diminish the harmful effects it has towards us all -- the word [ disease ].

We're convinced you’re wondering how to distinguish between someone who is mentally ill and someone who suffered from depression, anxiety, or an ongoing issue. The thing is that both are the same -- there is no distinguishing to do here.

Let us explain:

The words mentally diseased, mentally ill or a mental disorder have been used my health care professionals to describe an individual who is "suffering mentally". However, how do we know if a person should be "diagnosed" with a mental disorder, or if they're just having a bad year?

We find that these words are very strong words. Their meaning is actually misleading. The individual dealing with multiple life stresses, who is spending the majority of their time in unwanted or undesired situations, being constantly "bullied" by their classmates or co-workers, left and right, there are many negative obstacles preventing the from attaining mental peace. That is in fact a mental disorder; but not the mental disorder that we know, but a mental dis-order. Then, it is only a label describing such, but it doesn't define or doom the individual as being mentally ill.

We do not mind using the word mental illness (not even towards my own self), because we see it differently. The level as to how it effects an individual mentally varies from person to person, since we all have our strengths when navigating in difficult situations, and not only that, we all wish for different things for ourselves. That's what makes no right or wrong, no "sicker" than others, but only who we are.

Authentically the words mentally diseased, mentally ill, mentally challenged, and as so, are really just words that were invented to describe a "mental state".

Let's look at the label disease, as an example:

dis•ease
[də'zēz]
noun
— a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

synonyms: illness, sickness, infection, ailment, malady, disorder, complaint, affliction, condition, indisposition, upset, problem, trouble, infirmity, disability, defect.

More breaking down just to see:

dis
[dis]
prefix
— a Latin prefix meaning "apart," "asunder," "away," "utterly," "opposite of" or having a privative, negative, or reversing force.

synonyms: disability, disaffirm, disbar, disbelief, discontent, dishearten, dislike, disown.

You see, it doesn't really matter which word we use, since the all essentially mean the exact same thing:

— a problem producing signs or physical symptoms to the body or mind.

So then a mental [ disease ] is really only a problem producing signs or physical symptoms to the body or mind, and not an actual disease, as we think.

As far as the prefix [ dis ] goes, it means the opposite of [ ease ]. So our body or our mind is simply not at ease.

That's really all there is to it.

If we carefully observe all of the above and make up a new sentence that would sum it up beautifully, one could be a person experiencing troubling events which are adverse to what he or she wants, and causing the mind and body dis-comfort.

What is a mental disease or illness? Nothing to worry about right? It seems scarier then it actually is.

We shouldn't let these words intimidate us, not only because they project a "negative energy" that is harmful to us, but also because they are awfully misleading and also packed with stigma. Moreover, they are man-made, created with ignorance, a lack of knowledge and perhaps a lack of experience! I hope no one allows these to stand in the way of truth -- what is the fundamental source of the mental-discomfort.

So now what...

Instead of constantly worrying about what type of mental illness we might have, and diagnose ourselves with some type of "mental whatever", along with taking multiple pharmaceutical treatments that actually will not fix the real issue, why don't we utterly place our focus on what is the ACTUAL issue causing us mental or physical discomfort? In fact, we think it would be preferable to mainly focus on the mental aspect for now, since the physical discomfort is likely connected. How about we replace the word "disease" with the word "discomfort".

Here:

mental-discomfort
[men-tl dis-kuhm-fert]
noun
— a person experiencing troubling events which are adverse to what he or she wants, consequently causing the mind and body dis-comfort.

It doesn't sound too bad after all :)

From what we all know, troubles are form within our head (our mind), by observing or experiencing things that we do not wish for, and from that we let in their unfavorable energy, which then cause us negative feelings, and finally, unconsciously allowing these to penetrate our bodies. We must know this difference to protect ourselves against outside negative forces. They definitely should teach this in all schools.

A person diagnosed with some type of mental illness is simplistically at the moment not doing well. This person may also be experiencing a spiritual awakening, in the form of a not so pleasant wake-up call. Sometime such circumstances need to happen in order for an individual to "wake up". It is the yang to the yin. We must face the darkness for the light to exist. We all have a teacher within us at all times (call it whatever you want), and it's their way of saying "Hey! listen up! It's gone way too far!" We beg you to not ignore it -- it only wants the same as you... because ultimately it is you.

Hence, a challenge like this one is without a doubt a call to action. When certain status have been ignored for too long or have been taken too far, in pursuance of a positive self-transformation it requires a negative fate powerful enough to make us "See". When a change is required, a call to action can present itself in unlimited ways. The individual now aware MUST surpass this call (current status) in order to reach what their heart's desire. Easier said than done, but knowing this can reform someone's life, furthermore, it can save someone's life.

That "moment of darkness" could last a life time, let’s keep that in mind… nonetheless that is only if we choose to ignore it.

Some people might say "this person is mentally ill, mentally challenged, out of his or her mind, nuts, or even crazy". Fine, let them say or think what they want, let them assume, because they don't really know the truth, they don't know your truth, which you are about to find out :)

On an added personal note, as far as I'm concerned I'm still ill, however I'm aware of its cause and for it I know I have a lot of work ahead of me. I'm not the type to give up on myself or on anyone who needs help, and for as long as my effort will serve. A little is better than none, and it can make a HUGE difference in someone's life. Hopefully in my next reincarnation I will learn to listen more and be less ignorant.

My teacher repeated to me year after year,

Hey you! You shouldn't be doing this! It doesn't feel right and you know it!". Hey you again! What did I say just a few minutes ago... why won’t you listen? How many times will I have to repeat myself?

I find it amusing when I say I'm mentally ill or I have mental disorder, in fact it doesn't bother me anymore because not only it's true, but I accept it. I'm not clear as to what is coming up next, but I'm very curious and surprisingly no longer afraid. I keep true to my heart and things make more sense. If it feels wrong I let it go. Sometimes it's hard to say no, but we all have places to be and it might not be where you're at right now. This has become my new drive -- finding out where I'm supposed to be.

We've been blah blah-ing quite a bit here, and maybe got off topic, but what we've attempted to show is that a disease is only "something" that is "not at ease" (dis-ease), if that can make you all more at ease, we're done our part.

Sources: Dictionary Reference and Google
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