Effects Of Mental Health Stigma On Seeking Treatment

Effects of mental health stigma on seeking treatment Actor and comedian Robin Williams dies of apparent suicide at the age of 63. He was assumed to have been suffering from a long term depression so severe that resulted in drug abuse to hide his mental illness. Being so famous and so loved by many, he still wasn’t able to get the help he needed because he was so afraid of being stigmatized against. Robin was a talented and loving individual whose presence touched so many lives. This shows that mental health doesn’t discriminate against or for the rich and the famous, it can happen to anyone. Mental health is among the most common ailments that affects millions of people around the globe. According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental†¦show more content†¦The main question is, what percent of our society is open to treatment of the mentally ill? What can we do to decrease the inevitable stigma and encourage these folks to get treatment? The following studies have been conducted to help determine the effects of stigma on seeking help and how seeking help is influenced by support from family and friends. A study observed stigma against mental illness among six countries: Croatia, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Sweden (Krajewski, Burazeri, Brand, 2013). This correlational study was conducted by Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks (GAMIAN). This European non-profit organization used four measurements to categorize stigma. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) measured self-stigma, Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination (PDD) measured apparent perception and depreciation, PP measured sense of power/powerlessness and last but not least the Boston University Empowerment Scale was used to measure the self-efficacy/self-esteem (SESE). The study included 796 participants ages ranging 50-59 that were currently working, have the least societal interactions, minimal to low self-worth and feeling of helplessness. It was hypothesized that there was significant interaction between self-efficacy and the country itself. There was also an indication that people wi th mental disorder suffer both self stigma and superficial discernment and depreciation. The study