Stereotypes are widespread in society and burden those who suffer from mental illness, their families, and the health professionals working in this field. Fear of the unknown and of those who have different experiences is often behind this fear. It’s a result of ignorance, lack of information and incorrect attitudes. Mental illness should be treated in a similar way to physical illness. Mental illnesses are often caused by definite conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. They require care and treatment. When care and treatment is provided, people can expect to improve or recover. This allows them to return to their community and resume their normal lives. Unfortunately, prejudices keep people from returning to their family, social, and vocational life once they recover from mental illness. This obstacle prevents them from living a normal, productive life.
It is normal for jewelry enthusiasts to have a collection of their own. However, it can be overwhelming to choose the right piece. You may have forgotten what you once loved or bought, and the pieces are still sitting there waiting to be worn. You may not be confident in styling them to match your outfit or confused about the right combination.
The jewelry you wear should reflect your style and complement your outfit. It should also be comfortable. It is difficult to know where to start, as there is no definite or specific answer. You may feel confused even before taking the first step. Here are a few tips that will help you experiment and mix until you find the right combination.
The stigma that is associated with any mental disorder has many negative effects, including discrimination, self stigmatization, withdrawal from society, fear of rejection, and anxiety. Mentally ill people often feel that they are less valuable, which is in line with the many literature statements that sufferers internalize the stigma and have low self-confidence.
Stigmatization affects the feelings, attitudes and behaviors of sick people. It can lead to low self-esteem and social withdrawal. It may also cause neglect and a lack care for their own health. Stigma prevents people with mental disorders from seeking professional help. They are at risk of having their physical health compromised by unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, and drugs (often antipsychotics or antidepressants).
According to research, those with mental illness have a 15-20 year life expectancy. Discrimination can lead to people not seeking help, disregarding preventive measures, refusing to take part in prevention programs, or not being able to access diagnostic tests and treatments. Researchers attribute this phenomenon as a result of discrimination that has been experienced (e.g. unjustified refusal to admit to somatic hospitals, or anticipated discrimination where a person stops seeking help due to fear of being rejected and viewed with reproach). This results in barriers to general clinical recovery for the sick, as well as a further decline in health. It also leads to a lack of access for diagnostic tests and treatment, as well a neglect of preventive measures, non-participation and neglect of prevention programs. It is important to remember that social and material marginalization and poverty prevents people with mental illness from taking part in certain activities or receiving services. (Example: going on vacations during the summer, or wintering). Media publications that focus on criminal offenses often emphasize the negative perceptions of people with impaired health, relying on stereotypical images and inaccurate diagnostic classifications. Media has a huge influence on public opinion and can create stigmatization. Media stigmatization often results in self-stigmatization, where the person with the illness stigmatizes themselves, leading to a lack of self-esteem and shame, as well as a fear of seeking help. In order to reduce stigma and preserve mental health, there is a need for greater collaboration between mental experts and media.
Create layers– Start by selecting pieces in different lengths and then try to create a combination based on similar/contrasting styles. You can create layers of necklaces if you choose medium and long chains and combine them together with a choker. You can also stack bangles with varying thicknesses on your arms and wrap your fingers in rings. For your ears you can create multiple layers of studs, droppers, and danglers.
It is fun to try and create layers. You can also use the jewelry you have collected over the years in a unique way.
Why does mental illness stigma cause so much harm?
The number of people seeking health care has declined.
According to research, stigma reduces the ability of affected groups to seek mental and physical healthcare. (Examples: LGBTQAI2S+, BIPOC, drug/alcohol users, etc.). Health-seeking behaviors include visiting a doctor, taking part in psychotherapy, joining support groups or seeking addiction treatment. Inability to get help with mental and physical issues can lead to severe malaise and even suicide. It can be difficult for those who seek help to find a professional that understands their group’s nuances and challenges.
Mental health problems and increased shame
Internalized shame and negative thoughts intensify when a stigmatized individual is repeatedly subjected discrimination and stereotypes. Negative emotions and thoughts can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Research shows that minority groups are more likely than other groups to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Increased isolation
People who are stigmatized may isolate themselves more to cope with their problems. They might even be afraid to ask for help. As a result of this, individuals become too autonomous. This can lead to unhealthy emotional coping methods such as addiction. Social inclusion and belonging are universal needs across cultures and critical for emotional well-being, according to research.
An increase in dangerous safety-seeking behaviors
Research shows that stigmatized minorities tend to seek out safety and develop unhealthy coping strategies. Gang membership, for example, is more prevalent among adolescents from unstable families and those who lack resources. Gang membership can provide a false sense of belonging to teens.
According to research, the LGBTQAI2S+ community has a three-fold higher survival rate for sex than the general population. Teens who have been kicked out by their parents or disowned at an early age may be forced to exchange sex in order to get shelter, food, and money because they are lacking job skills, resources, or money. In order to prevent becoming homeless, teens must also have food, water and clothing. They are more likely to develop addictions, get STIs, be victimized and attempt suicide.
What is your approach to stigma?
Join a support group.
The stigma of mental illness can lead to isolation. People may believe they are the only one suffering. A support group such as a LGBTQAI2S+ Alcoholics Anonymous or a Subreddit community group can have a positive impact on your mental health. Connecting with other people who have experienced similar things can be very healing. It has been proven that peer support reduces stigma, increases feelings of belonging and encourages health seeking behaviors.
Encourage supporters to engage with positive media
You can learn to accept and love yourself by surrounding yourself with people who affirm you. This includes movies and TV shows. It has been proven that participating in Pride events or connecting with supporters of LGBTQAI2S+ identities, such as those who attend Pride events or are active in the community, can be an empowering experience for people struggling with LGBTQAI2S+ issues. They are subjected to stigma and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
You can also develop a positive image of yourself by immersing yourself into social media, television shows and movies that encourage equality and empower minorities.
You can access a licensed therapist
Stigma is rooted within shame. Messages of shame and negative thoughts can be so deeply embedded in the mind that professional psychotherapy may be required. CBT is a great way to identify, understand, and restructure negative or shameful thoughts. Mental health benefits can be profound when negative beliefs and thoughts are replaced with adaptive, helpful beliefs and thoughts. After undergoing CBT focused on LGBTQAI2S+, people often report increased self-acceptance and happiness, clarity, peace, connection with others, and a significant decrease in shame.
Take a look at your own beliefs.
Social stigma is caused by the collective propagation of stereotypes and negative attitudes about minorities. It is important to reflect on your beliefs and access educational resources if you don’t identify as a minoritarian group.
By challenging false beliefs about minorities, you can gain more compassion and understanding for other people. Understanding the role of privilege in daily life and how to use it to create long-term changes can reduce stigma. Learning, understanding and using privilege to the greater good and for minority rights, instead of perpetuating stereotypes and stigma, can help bring about lasting changes in the lives and communities of minorities.
