Stigma
Randy Tucker, Pipeline Editor
The Ancient Greeks marked their slaves with a tattoo called a stigma. My dictionary says a stigma is "a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain of reproach, as of one's reputation" and "a characteristic mark or sign of defect, degeneration, disease, etc." When we are "marked" by society as persons with mental illness, we may be mocked, institutionalized, shamed or regarded as less capable. Terms like "loony, psycho, whacko, bonkers, or nuts" enable others to dismiss our ideas and worth, even when used in a "humorous" way. Those who ridicule persons with mental illness often have glaring weaknesses, shortcomings and disabilities which they are afraid to face within themselves.
The media often portrays us as dangerous and unpredictable. When a violent crime occurs, newscasters often add that the suspect had a "history of mental problems", even if the illness had nothing to do with the incident. Instead of trying to understand our issues, it is often easier and more profitable to sensationalize and promote the idea of "dangerous crazy people running amok". We are easily blamed for many ills of a hostile, selfish and alienated society. Sometimes we are treated as criminals, although mental illness is no more common in the criminal population than in the rest of society. Most Americans do not identify or include persons with mental illness as a disability group. Indeed, many feel that our conditions are not as real as physical illnesses; the disorders are our own fault or are weaknesses of character. Their minds are not easily or quickly changed.
Ignorance is part of the problem. Many do not realize that mental illnesses usually result from chemical reactions in the brain which affect mood, thoughts, feelings and actions. They can be caused or influenced by genetics, biological, social, cultural or environmental factors. Mental illness can occur in all age groups and all social classes. It is disturbing to most people to have to think about us, and easier to shut us away in institutions or make decisions for us which we can make for ourselves, telling us it's for "our own good." The evidence supports that the vast majority of us are in no way dangerous to ourselves or others, and are capable of holding jobs and contributing significantly to society. "Mental illness" is not synonymous with "incapable."
If we wish to be treated fairly, we must do all we can to remove the fears and misperceptions of people about us. Persons with mental illness are regarded with suspicion and avoidance. Helping others understand when they use hurtful terms or are misinformed about mental illness may help. Focusing on aspects of our lives other than our illnesses helps others see us as full human beings. By labeling ourselves as "schizophrenics, depressives", etc. we imply that the illness is the most important thing about us. It is far better to call ourselves "persons with mental illnesses." It is more hopeful to say "I have schizophrenia" than "I am a schizophrenic". Most often it is not the most important thing people need to know about us. By being active members in our community and involving ourselves with others, we show that we can be trusted and valued. People with mental illnesses deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else.
