Saturday, April 14, 2007
Blog 12 What can be done to reduce the stigma and shame that still surrounds mental illness?
Medical record confidentiality is the first step. A person's records are their business and should not be seen at all unless that person is a threat to someone else or themself. I deal with many children and do not know specific diagnosis, however, the families share the information needed for me to provide and protect the child. Also, education is a vital part of reducing the stigma an shame from mental illness. Most people hear the word, mental illness, and make the decision that the person is dangerous. If people would learn more about different mental illnesses I think there would be much less stigma around mental illness.
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Education is the key. The more you know about different mental illnesses, the better you can understand the people that have the illnesses. People make fun of and distance themselves from the things they know nothing about, so if they learn about these types of illnesses they will embrace the individuals better.
I completely agree with you. Education about any health topic is the best way to eliminate false beliefs about a particular disease or illness, especially dealing with mental illness. The best thing to do will be to educate the public on various mental illnesses. I believe this is one of the only ways we can reduce the false reactions and shame surrounding mental disorders and its patients.
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