[Feature Story] Mental Health Beyond Stigma: A Call for Understanding

   Mental illness still carries significant misunderstandings and stigmas in our society. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, the protagonist, Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” as a symbol of her adulterous act. Similarly, individuals suffering from mental illness often face stigmatization, driven by societal norms and perceptions. People tend to avoid contact with mental health patients, viewing them as dangerous, strange, or weak-willed. Many also believe that they are personally unaffected by these issues. However, the truth is that mental illnesses are not as distant as we might think.

   Mental illness is defined as a condition where the brain experiences functional or physiological changes, affecting emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and significantly disrupting daily functioning. These disorders cover a wide range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, and PTSD. According to a 2021 survey conducted by the National Mental Health Center, the lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders is 27.8%, meaning that one in four people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life.

   When I was in high school, I had friends who experienced mental illness. My friend had panic disorder and was on medication. Although we were close, there were times when the symptoms worsened, causing him to hyperventilate and struggle to stand. During those times, my other friends and I would help him regulate his breathing, bring him water for medicine, and find a paper bag for him to breathe into. We would sit by his side and encourage him until he regained his composure. It always left me feeling sad because I understood that this was not his weakness or flaw. No one in our group thought of his mental health as a personal fault, because only those who witnessed the situation understood. Many people may not see it, but mental illness can affect anyone, and people around us may be struggling without us even knowing.

   Despite how common mental health issues are, societal perceptions remain overwhelmingly negative. Many people view these conditions not as medical issues to be treated, but as personal flaws or weaknesses. Such negative perceptions discourage individuals from seeking help and lead to social isolation. The stigma surrounding mental health not only diminishes self-esteem and quality of life for those affected but also hinders their treatment and recovery. A study on the stigma perceived by people with mental illnesses found that they often experience a high degree of stigmatization. When they attempt to reintegrate into society, they face difficulties due to the stigma they carry. Those who perceive higher levels of stigma tend to hide their condition and avoid relationships with those they feel might discriminate against them. This shows how the inability to address the stigma effectively can lead to feelings of rejection by society. Mental illness is not only a personal challenge but also a societal issue that needs collective effort to overcome.

   To address the social stigma attached to mental illness, education about mental health is crucial. If people, from students to workers, receive proper education on mental illness, it could improve understanding and perceptions of mental health conditions. Moreover, in today’s society, where mass media wields great influence, using media to provide accurate information on mental health can be highly effective. For example, the 2022 drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” helped shift public perception by offering deeper insights into autism, providing an opportunity for viewers to reflect on their biases and stigmas. Similarly, documentaries, TV shows, and public campaigns addressing mental health could contribute significantly to changing societal views.

   So, how should we approach mental health disorders? We must view them as conditions that require treatment and acceptance. If individuals with mental health disorders are deterred from seeking help due to social stigma and prejudice, they may continue to suffer, and their conditions could worsen. The best way to approach any illness, such as the common cold, is to go to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The same applies to mental health disorders. Treatment is necessary, and fear of stigma should not prevent individuals from seeking care. We must understand that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness but an act of taking care of one’s well-being. Similarly, when we interact with people suffering from mental health issues, we must approach them with compassion and a treatment-focused mindset.

   Additionally, we need to be equipped with the right knowledge and coping strategies regarding mental health. When I first encountered a friend’s mental illness, I felt helpless and could only offer moral support. But over time, I saw how other friends who had experienced similar situations knew exactly what to do to help. This taught me that even if I do not personally suffer from a mental health disorder, understanding mental health can help me assist others and if I ever face mental health challenges myself, it will be beneficial to know how to seek help.

   Ultimately, it is essential to promote understanding of mental illness, both on a personal and societal level. Many people still suffer from mental health illness and the resulting social stigma. My hope is that it will one day be regarded as no different from physical health conditions, with people seeking treatment without fear of judgment or discrimination.