Mental disorder An illness or A stigma

The concept of mental illness is multifaceted and challenging to address. Many individuals hesitate to acknowledge its presence, whether in their lives or within their families, often choosing to ignore it. According to a 2023 survey by Rethink Mental Illness, concerns about stigma and misunderstanding remain pervasive. The survey revealed that nine out of ten respondents believe there is insufficient awareness of what it means to live with mental illness, while three in five indicated that fear of societal judgment discourages them from seeking treatment. To frame this discussion, it is essential to distinguish between mental health and mental disorders. The WHO describes”-  Mental health is described as a state of well-being in which individuals can cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their community.’’ Conversely, the WHO defines a mental disorder as ‘’a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour, associated with distress or impaired functioning in critical areas of life’’. Mental health encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from mild anxiety to

complex psychological disorders. However, society tends to view these diverse conditions through a single lens, often categorizing them indiscriminately. This oversimplification raises numerous questions but offers few definitive answers. The stigma surrounding mental illness continues to hinder societal acceptance. Historically, individuals who exhibited unusual behaviour were often dismissed as “insane,” without any attempt to understand their experiences. This lack of empathy not only caused humiliation for those individuals but also brought shame to their families. Treatments in the past roughly twenty years ago often relied solely on medication, which was used to suppress symptoms rather than address the root causes. Research on antipsychotic medications indicates that while they can mitigate certain symptoms, they may also reduce cognitive functioning, leaving individuals less alert and less capable of engaging fully in daily life. As a result, many individuals with mental illness have been marginalized, their voices unheard and their needs overlooked. The societal tendency to label individuals with mental illness using derogatory trms persists, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Mental illness is often viewed as a sign of personal weakness or a source of shame, leaving those affected trapped in a cycle of stigma and isolation. However, mental illness does not diminish a person’s capabilities, and individuals should be treate  with the respect and dignity they deserve. Many countries have taken legislative steps to address discrimination against individuals with mental illness. In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 provides legal protection against discrimination for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions. Similarly, the Indian Mental Health Care Act 2017 ensures that individuals with mental illness are treated with respect and dignity. While these laws are critical in promoting inclusivity, yet their implementation and public awareness remains a significant challenge. Despite legal protections, there remains a significant gap in public awareness and education about mental illness. Many individuals avoid seeking help due to fear of judgment, societal perceptions, or a lack of understanding about available treatments. Unlike physical illnesses such as cancer or diabetes, mental health conditions are often misunderstood and unfairly stigmatized, preventing society from fully accepting them as legitimate health concerns. The question remains: how can we address this ongoing issue? Across the globe, organizations are working tirelessly to improve mental health awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for inclusive practices. The World Federation for Mental Health leads these efforts by collaborating with individuals, employers, and communities to foster open discussions and implement recovery-focused interventions. Their mission is to advance mental health awareness, prevent mental disorders, and promote best practices for recovery worldwide. Campaigns like MIND and CALM have also made notable progress, though the path to widespread change is a long one. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely stated, “We must become the change we want to see.” Organizations worldwide are driving efforts to foster this change, but collective action is needed the most. To build an inclusive society, we must normalize conversations about mental health, treat mental illness with the same seriousness as physical illnesses, and ensure equal opportunities for all. This mission requires empathy, open communication, and a conscious effort to refrain from judgment or harmful labelling. By embracing individuals and their conditions, we can create a society that values dignity and inclusion for everyone.

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