echo Throughout history, the understanding of mental illnesses has been seen through various lenses, often rooted in fear and misunderstanding. Rooting back to the Stone Age (6500 BC), abnormal behaviours have been seen as the works of evil spirits, or in other words, spiritual possession of the human body. This notion of supernatural interference persists even in the present time with some cultures, mostly Southeast Asians, perceiving mental health issues and considering them the result of wrath or denial of spirit or deities. At one point in time, those with mental illnesses were even labelled as witches and had to be put to death. These perspectives underscore a profound lack of knowledge and empathy that fostered radical stereotypes towards mental illnesses. Regardless of distinct changes within Malaysia’s mental healthcare systems, the stigmatization of people with mental illnesses still remains particularly strong in Malaysia.
Understanding Mental Illness: Uncovering Myths
Mental illness, also known as mental health disorders, often refers to health conditions that involve a change in one’s emotions, thinking, and behaviour. The telltale signs of mental illness can vary from the frequent occurrence of stress to it affecting one’s ability to function, be it in social, work, or daily activities, taking into account the disorder, circumstances, and other factors.
Several misconceptions stemming from the lack of understanding and exposure are dissected to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Myth 1: Mental health disorders are a sign of weakness
Mental illnesses or even displays of different behaviour are often viewed as a sign of weakness or a flaw. Among older generations especially, families can be found hiding the fact that their loved ones behave differently than what most perceive as “normal”. Some even remark that those with mental illnesses are simply not trying. These allegations, without even considering the perspective of those who live with this health issue, are now simply outdated and harmful. To suggest that someone can simply “will themselves” out of depression or anxiety is akin to telling someone with diabetes to just produce more insulin.
These individuals tend to be wrongly perceived as having low intelligence and lacking credibility solely because they don’t conform to the ill-informed expectations of what constitutes “normal” behaviour. This lack of understanding can lead to significant social and professional disadvantages. Sad to say, a majority still hold a negative attitude towards mentally ill people, contributing to their non-employability. Not only are their economic opportunities limited, but it also reinforces feelings of inadequacy and isolation, further intensifying their mental health struggles.
Myth 2: People with mental illnesses are violent
One pervasive myth, frequently amplified in media portrayals, is that people with mental illnesses are inherently dangerous or violent, potentially causing harm to those around them. This misconception often results in fear and social avoidance, with many keeping themselves at arm’s length from individuals with mental disorders whom they perceive as moody, unpredictable, and potentially harmful.
In actual fact, statistics prove otherwise. Extensive research has consistently shown that individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Perpetuating this false narrative of viciousness not only misrepresents the reality of those living with mental health conditions but also fuels unwarranted fear and discrimination.
Myth 3: Mental health conditions are permanent
Another misconception is the belief that mental illness is permanent, suggesting that once someone develops a mental health condition, they are destined to suffer indefinitely. This misapprehension simply ignites fear of a lifelong negative label, influencing patients to avoid seeking help altogether in order to fit in with the rest of the world.
However, this is far from the truth. While some mental illnesses may be chronic, many individuals who have taken proactive actions experience significant improvement by effectively managing their symptoms and achieving full recovery. Recovery and resilience are key – from seeking professional help and adhering to treatment plans to building and maintaining strong support systems.
Delving Deeper: Roots of Mental Illness
To truly destigmatise mental illness, it is best to fully comprehend the complete relation of biology, psychology, and environment.
- Biological factors
Some research suggests a correlation between biological components and mental illnesses, encompassing a spectrum of influences from brain chemical imbalances, hormonal changes, and inherited genetic factors.
- Brain chemistry: Conditions like depression and various emotional disorders most likely stem from the imbalances or impairment of neurotransmitters – the brain’s chemical messengers – thereby affecting the communication between neurones in the brain. For instance, it is notable that the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin is lower in individuals with depression.
- Hormones: Hormones have a direct connection to how one feels mentally and physically. Changes in thyroid hormone levels are usually linked to anxiety, irritability, low mood or even depression.
- Genes: Certain genes can also increase the chance of getting a mental illness. However, scientists believe that a single gene alone is not a trigger, but the interaction of several genes of different variations is, also taking into account environmental and social factors. Nonetheless, having a family member with mental illness does not dictate that others in the family will inevitably develop the same condition.
- Environmental factors
Mental health conditions are also derived from environmental factors from prenatal stages (early life) to adulthood, which consist of physical and social environmental factors..
i. Early life environment
- Environmental exposures before birth: Exposure to environmental stressors (e.g., air pollution), inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness.
- Negative childhood experiences: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a common circumstance in those with mental disorders, and the level of trauma affects the severity of the mental disorder. ACEs can include violence, abuse, loss of a friend or family member, divorce of parental figures, neglect, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems.
ii. Physical environmental factors
- Housing conditions: Individuals with poor-quality housing are more likely to have poor mental health outcomes. For instance, those living in cold housing are more prone to developing mental health conditions and social isolation.
- Homelessness: Compared with the general population, homeless people are twice as likely to have a common mental health condition, and psychosis is up to 15 times more prevalent.
- Meteorological factors: Studies have shown the link between high temperatures, low barometric pressure, and cloud cover linked to negative mood. This is associated with those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Statistically, more psychiatric emergencies, with increasing levels of aggression, occur during sunny, humid, and hot days.
iii. Social environmental factors
- Trauma & Stress: Traumatic life events, ongoing stress (from issues such as social isolation, domestic violence, relationship and financial/work problems), and disaster exposure are often linked to the increased risk of mental illness. Exposure to traumatic environmental events such as hurricanes and earthquakes often induces feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss of control, leading to chronic stress among vulnerable, high-risk individuals. Take COVID-19 as an example – A significant rise in cases of anxiety, panic disorder, and depression in the following years has been apparent upon the pandemic-induced lockdowns.
- Stigmatisation: Stigmatisation has consistently hindered diagnosis and treatment, particularly within military personnel with PTSD. This issue is rampant when those who displayed symptoms of PTSD were subjected to scorn and ridicule, with the stigma that mental trauma was cowardice. The fear of the negative social repercussions in seeking help often outweighs the desire for relief, support, and recovery.
- Lifestyle: Lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, smoking, sleeping habits, and the use of alcohol or drugs are associated with the mental well-being of an individual. Poor lifestyle behaviours have shown an increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and also insomnia.
Why is destigmatising mental illness so crucial?
While mental health is not often a topic of discussion in modern society, destigmatising is crucial, as stigma isn’t just a social problem; it has long-term consequences. People might hesitate to seek treatment for mental health when they feel like they might face judgement. Early intervention is crucial for recovery.
When we destigmatise mental illness, we encourage help-seeking behaviours. One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is shame. When people no longer feel judged or labelled as “weak” for struggling, they are more likely to reach out for therapy, crisis support, or medical intervention before reaching a breaking point. This can help reduce suicide rates when people are being heard.
Destigmatising mental illness fosters empathy and understanding. When people understand that mental illness is not a choice or flaw, they become more compassionate partners, friends, and family. This improves relationships and community support when there is a reduction in miscommunication and judgement. Detigmatization helps people better interpret behaviours linked to mental health (e.g., mood swings, isolation, irritability), reducing conflicts in relationships. Instead of assuming someone is being “difficult”, others begin to offer support.
How can we break the stigma?
Now that we have laid the foundation for what mental illness is, the bigger question is, how can we break the stigma and allow us to move forward better as a community?
1. Educate ourselves
Educate ourselves and others. Stigma often stems from misinformation, fear, or a lack of exposure to the truth about mental health. By learning and teaching others about mental health conditions, we replace harmful myths with compassion, clarity, and facts.
But what does it mean to educate yourself? Understanding the basics. Learn what mental health conditions there are out there. such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, and others. Understanding how they come about and how they can be treated.
2. Be kind and compassionate
While awareness campaigns are often useful, change starts from within us. We need to be compassionate and kind. The simple human ability to sympathise with another human goes a long way to show care for another person’s struggle.
That means listening without judging. Sometimes, people going through mental illnesses aren’t seeking advice. They often just want you to lend an ear. Listening without interrupting or jumping to solutions shows that their feelings are valid.
Phrases like “Just be positive” or “You’re overreacting” are not very useful. Compassion involves validating their struggles instead of minimising them.
3. Challenge Stereotypes
Stereotypes about mental illness are one of the biggest barriers to understanding, support, and recovery. These stereotypes are often so ingrained in our culture that they go unnoticed in jokes, media portrayals, casual conversations, and even professional settings. Challenging these harmful narratives is essential to creating a society where people with mental health conditions feel respected, understood, and safe.
When people view mental illness through a distorted lens, as something scary or “abnormal”, they are less likely to provide support for those who need it. This makes it harder for those struggling to feel accepted or ask for help.
These stereotypes could also silence those going through it. If they hear a dismissive or hateful comment. They may fear opening up. The fear of being labelled as something judgemental can be silent but deadly.
A Call for Compassion
While society is gradually making progress in recognising mental illness as a serious issue, it is important to remember that a person’s struggles do not define their worth or potential. By coming together to challenge stigma, we can create communities where individuals feel acknowledged, supported, and valued. Not judged or shamed!
Every honest conversation, act of compassion, and effort to educate brings us one step closer to breaking the stigma. Change is not impossible; it begins with each of us.
Written by: Felicia & Jeremy
Edited by: Tisyha
