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Mental Health Service Users Perceptions of Stigma
The article Mental Health Service Users Perceptions of Stigma, From the General Population and From Mental Health Professionals in Mexico: A Qualitative Study provides the findings of an in-depth look into the stigmatization of mental health service users by healthcare providers and the general public. According to the article, mental health service users often deal with adverse reactions, and family members and close friends are usually the number one cause of stigma (Lagunes-Cordoba et al., 2020). Health care providers have also been identified as a source of stigma through negative attitudes and discrimination against mental health users.
In the article, a study was conducted in Mexico to investigate the mental health service users perception of stigma from the public but mainly from health care providers. This paper aimed to seek an intervention that would be taught to psychiatric trainees in Mexico (Lagunes-Cordoba et al., 2020). All the participants recruited were adults, had mental health issues, and were willing to participate in the study. The data collection methods mainly involved focus groups and one-on-one interviews.
According to the research, the findings were that mental health users were often stigmatized or discriminated against by the public. Some public reactions included social distancing and fear; discrimination, for example, at places of work also took place. People also judged them and displayed a general lack of empathy (Lagunes-Cordoba et al., 2020). The reactions from psychiatrists were mainly positive, but some reactions involved cold attitudes and a lack of direct explanations. In addition, there was a focus on psychopathology and a lack of interest in the users personal history. Labeling also took place due to patients mental conditions (Lagunes-Cordoba et al., 2020). The receptions mentioned above were the main findings of the paper.
The article established that some of the causes of these stigmatizing attitudes from psychiatrists were desensitization among these practitioners, burnout resulting from being overworked, and constant change in psychiatrists resulting in lack of bonds and poor doctor-patient relationships (Lagunes-Cordoba et al., 2020). The text stated that raising awareness and formal training would be an intervention to improve healthcare professionals attitudes towards mental health service users. This articles strength is seen in the study conducted and the diverse number of participants offering varying points of view. Its limitation is that the study did not involve in-patients whose experiences may have been different.
Stigma and discrimination toward mental health patients is a factor that leads to the reduced possibility of seeking treatment (Borenstein, 2020). When subjected to stigma, mental health patients end up with low self-esteem, difficulty in creating and maintaining social relationships, and even an increase in psychiatric symptoms (Borenstein, 2020). When mental health service users are subjected to stigma, there is an increased possibility of refusing to continue with treatment. Stigmatization of mental health users is seen to make the condition or symptoms worse, which hampers these patients recovery process.
Before this class, I had some preconceived notions about mental illnesses and mental health. Initially, I had linked mental health illnesses with people developing criminal or violent tendencies. In truth, these individuals are very vulnerable and are more likely to hurt themselves or be hurt by others. Throughout this class, I have realized the importance of having knowledge about mental health issues as this will eradicate bias, stereotyping, and attitudes that will hamper the healing and development of mental health patients. I have also learned to be accepting and supportive of these individuals in a society due to this class.
References
Borenstein, J. (2020). Stigma and Discrimination. American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association.
Lagunes-Cordoba, E., Davalos, A., Fresan-Orellana, A., Jarrett, M., Gonzalez-Olvera, J., Thornicroft, G., & Henderson, C. (2020). Mental health service users perceptions of stigma, from the general population and from mental health professionals in Mexico: A qualitative study. Community Mental Health Journal.
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