Open AccessTHE ROLE OF STIGMA IN THE GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Author(s) -
Yvonne Larrier,
Monica D. Allen,
Irwin M. Larrier
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of global engagement and transformation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2572-455X
DOI - 10.52553/10001a
Subject(s) - mental health , stigma (botany) , personhood , mental illness , globe , nothing , psychiatry , psychology , social psychology , political science , law , philosophy , epistemology , neuroscience
“This oppressive darkness is too much for me to bear alone, but my family and community tells me that nothing’s wrong with me. They say if I would only pray more, or if I would reach out and help others, then I would be fine.” This statement negates the depressive symptoms of the individual and attributes the “oppressive darkness” to the personhood of the individual in a negative light. Underlying those statements are erroneous beliefs, negative attitudes, and discriminatory behaviors related to mental illness. Stigma plays a large role in this. This is prevalent in many Low and Middle Income Countries as well as in High Income Countries. Across the globe, people with mental illness, either common mental health disorders or chronic mental illnesses, are not valued as equally nor treated as respectfully as persons who do not have mental illness. This article addresses the global mental health crisis and the continued need to make it a global health priority.