Have you ever witnessed individuals with mental health conditions being stigmatised in society? The stigmatisation of people and their encounter with prejudice can occur in typical and commonplace ways. But why does this situation arise so frequently? The factors that may give rise to prejudice are perhaps right before our eyes. For example, a lack of knowledge about the causes and challenges of these conditions, a failure to consider them, or an inability to empathise may be among these factors. Some studies have shown that individuals with mental health conditions are often stigmatised in society as unstable, mad, or unpredictable (Öztürk & Çam, 2020). The stigmatisation of individuals, particularly those living with schizophrenia, as ‘mad’ has been observed as a result of negative prejudices. Furthermore, a finding emerging from the research is that the patient group most frequently affected by stigmatisation is that of people with schizophrenia. So, what exactly are schizophrenia and stigmatisation? Let’s take a look together.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterised by disturbances in perception and behaviour resulting from a breakdown in the connection between thought and reality; it involves an inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy regarding what one sees, hears, and experiences. We could also describe schizophrenia as a psychological disorder involving hallucinations—such as seeing or hearing things that do not exist—and paranoid thoughts. People living with schizophrenia are unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy regarding the sounds they hear or the events they experience. Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, fear, and difficulty expressing oneself are among the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, people with schizophrenia do not have a tendency towards violence. For this reason, they can continue to live within society. As this psychological condition generally develops gradually, early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance. Whilst the condition can be treated with medication, lifelong treatment is usually required to prevent relapse.
What is Stigmatisation?
Although the concept of ‘stigma’ originated in the field of sociology, it was soon adopted in fields such as medicine, psychology, and organisational behaviour (Bos et al., 2013: 1). It refers to the act of labelling, tagging, or branding an individual or group as having a condition that is deemed shameful and lies outside the boundaries of what society considers ‘normal’ (Soygür and Özalp, 2005: 75). These are the social boundaries drawn between those considered ‘normal’ and those who are stigmatised, resulting from the tarnishing of the stigmatised person’s reputation and the imposition of a shameful label (Goffman, 1963: 6). The concept of ‘stigma’ was first used by the Greeks in relation to individuals deemed morally reprehensible or not considered normal—such as slaves and traitors—who were marked with signs carved into their bodies or branded with hot iron. There are various forms of stigmatisation, demonstrating that individuals can be stigmatised in many ways. For example, individuals may experience stigmatisation due to certain characteristics they are born with (skin colour, gender, etc.), their socio-cultural status (ethnic origin, beliefs, etc.), or physiological and psychological health issues (AIDS, obesity, mental illness, pregnancy, etc.) (Acun Kapıkıran and Kapıkıran, 2013: 131–132).
Stigmatisation observed in society may stem from people’s negative prejudices. It is particularly common to encounter stigmatisation in the field of psychology. For this reason, people with psychological disorders who are most frequently stigmatised are identified as those with schizophrenia. They are generally stigmatised as unpredictable individuals who might resort to violence, or as ‘mad’. However, the psychological disorders that individuals suffer from should be regarded as just as common and normal as any other physical illness. We must stand against all forms of stigmatisation and prejudice in our lives so that negative attitudes do not affect others. Stigmatising people’s mental health conditions will make it more difficult for them to live with and receive treatment for these conditions within society. This is because stigmatisation surrounding mental health conditions can lead society to approach individuals with prejudice. If beliefs spread that it is impossible to live alongside these people and that they will constantly cause harm, this may lead to the formation of cliques and exclusion from social settings. By raising awareness, observing, and learning, we can put an end to these negative attitudes. Otherwise, one day we too may be stigmatised or face prejudice because of our differences.
Kaynakça
- Acun Kapıkıran, N. ve Kapıkıran, Ş., (2013), “Psikolojik Yardım Aramada Kendini Damgalama Ölçeği: Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik”, Türk Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik, 40(5): 131-141.
- Bos, A.E.R., Pryor, J.B., Reeder, G.D. and Stutterheim, S.E., (2013), “Stigma: Advances in Theory and Research”, Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 35(1): 1-9.
- Goffman, E., (1963), Stigma: Notes On The Management of Spoiled Identity, ABD: Prentice Hall, Inc.
- Köroğlu E.; Şizofreni, Psikiyatri 7, 239-272 (1996)
- Soygür, H. ve Özalp, E., (2005), “Şizofreni ve Damgalanma Sorunu”, Turkiye Klinikleri J Int Med Sci, 1(12): 74-80.