What is social stigma?

 

Social stigma is the collective of negative beliefs and attitudes towards people, places, or things (CDC, 2020). A social stigma can also come from actions such as, having an affair or committing a felony. 

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It is not surprising why someone would not want others to know about their mental illness if the reaction from society would be a negative one. Even worse, to consider the stigma of being on medications. A very unfortunate part of our reality is that you may come across some unsympathetic individuals and unfortunately some of them may be medical professionals you may come across. The good news is that there are just as many helpful people who will be understanding, medical professionals included!

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Case Study

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Lupe M. was a 27 year old college student from Southern California. After many consecutive life changes she began experiencing gradual symptoms of anxiety-induced anorexia and agoraphobia. At first she didn't think much about it, but later had noticed significant weight loss and her health slowly deteriorate. 

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"I had lost almost thirty pounds in three months. It sounds glamorous, but I felt far from it. My anxiety kept me from eating more than a few bits of food at a time. I was just so tense all of the time. I felt constantly nauseous which kept me from eating. I thought if I ate that I would not be able to keep the food down. Most appetite was lost. I got to the point where my parents would bring me back some food every time they left for an errand. You could see the heartbreak in their eyes when I would only take a few bites."

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That wasn't all of it. Lupe was also self-medicating with alcohol. 

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"The alcohol would calm my nerves. It was the only thing that would numb me enough to make my panic attacks less intense."

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Eventually she was hospitalized and diagnosed with alcohol-induced hepatitis (non-viral) due to her self-medicating alcoholism. 

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"You would think that I would stop drinking after that. Sure I cut back some, but the drinking continued because I still had my anxieties and panic attacks. I contemplated asking to go on meds, but I was worried about dependency and afraid of addiction. I was tired of not being able to drive without a panic attack happening. Or, having an episode while on campus at school. These panic attacks feel as if everyone I loved just died and that I was dying next. I felt like I was constantly on fire. I finally made an emergency same day appointment at my clinic and explained to the doctor everything I was experiencing. I pleaded to the doctor to help me feel normal again."

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Lupe was prescribed a non-addictive Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). She began to feel more stabilized after a few weeks. They did not go without some mild symptoms, but eventually her body adjusted and she ceased to experience side effects. Knowing that it was not a magic pill she was given, she goes to therapy when she can and opens up to trusted family and friends about her experiences. 

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"I was afraid to open up at first, I wondered if I would still be looked at the same or taken seriously. Despite my fears, I am glad I did! From this I learned that two other friends were on some form of anti-anxiety/antidepressant medication. Even a professor opened up to me about their related medication regimen. I started to feel like less of an outcast."

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Lupe still struggles with episodes from time to time, but they are not nearly as bad or as frequent as they have been. Throughout her journey she has learned coping skills from the people in her support system. 

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Lupe's mental disorder came later in her life and was brought out from various traumas and hardships. Some people may experience different symptoms with different intensities that can start at any time of life. Not everyone will have the same experience as Lupe did, but it is almost unanimously agreed that support systems are extremely helpful and sometimes can be life saving. If you or anyone you know may be experiencing mental instabilities or dysfunctions, speak with a trusted person in your life or seek professional assistance. Below are some helpful links to get you started to the road of recovery.

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HRSA Behavioral Health

https://www.hrsa.gov/behavioral-health

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OC Health Care Agency

https://www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs/

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Want to add to the discussion or have a question for the community? Join our forum on all things mental health. Click on the image here:

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References

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American Psychiatric Association (APA). (n.d.). What Is Mental Illness? Retrieved August 26, 2020, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020, June 11). Reducing Stigma. Retrieved August 26, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/reducing-stigma.html

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