Stigma, Discrimination & Mental Illness

Mental illness is not 'catching'. It is not contagious and yet it does not discriminate. Why then, is society so afraid of it? This question we can ask ourselves when discussing stigma and discrimination of the mentally ill for it is fear that lies at the root of these horrors. 'Horrors' seems a strong word but not when one considers the effect of discrimination upon the mentally ill person. This cannot be more evident than in the case of internalized discrimination when the person being discriminated against actually believes the negative stereotypes being thrust upon them. This can only lead to the worst consequence of all...isolation. (www.successfulschizophrenia.org) It is alienation that not only can prevent the mentally ill from seeking help towards recovery but it harms us as a society as well because placing each other on the outside of the 'inner circle' muddies the waters and reflects poorly on us as a group. There is nothing worse than contempt prior to investigation. Here a lot of the responsibility falls on the mentally ill though as they must work to accept themselves and not believe these negative stereotypes through such interventions as self-help group therapy and psychology.
When a person directly discriminates against a mentally ill person it is their responsibility to make changes within themselves and this could be accomplished through education if that person is willing to be open-minded. With education intervention I'm referring to institutions that effect us in our daily lives to change their negative characterization of the mentally ill such as the media and the world of advertising.
If this is not enough we are also bombarded with a type of discrimination stemming from certain societies and communities that have a structural type of negative view towards other members of other communities and societies. This type of stigma is very powerful as well for there is certainly power in numbers and power is a necessary factor in the discrimination of someone viewed as inferior. Having a mediator of sorts bring the two communities together for discussion and social activities may be a possible intervention for this sort of discrimination. Perhaps getting together and having a first hand experience with each other could squash some of the lies they believe about each other.
Although I have not experienced nor witnessed discrimination against a mentally ill person, what I can imagine it to be like seems atrocious and I'm sure what I imagine is not even half of the true experience for them. Things would be so much easier if we could all treat each other with love and tolerance, if we could put principles before personalities, and if we could break down the walls of fear that somehow reside in us all.