Society and attitudes

One of the biggest challenges faced by people suffering from depression is the lack of acceptance that it is an illness. This issue may prevent individuals from seeking a diagnosis, accepting they are suffering from depression or participating in required treatment plans.  Even if a diagnosis of depression is accepted, it will often not be treated well enough - or long enough.

The main reason why people don't accept that they are suffering from depression and ensure that they are treated for it is the stigma associated with a diagnosis of depression.

Stigma

A stigma is a mark or sign of shame or disapproval.   It often results in a group of people experiencing rejection or discrimination.

In terms of mental illness, the associated stigma influences decisions about

• being diagnosed
• receiving treatment
• talking about depression

A historical view of stigma

The word stigma originates from a Greek word, which means to prick, in the same way that you prick with a needle. A needle prick normally leaves a mark. Stigma has therefore come to mean ‘a mark’.

Assigning such a ‘mark’ has been used as a form of punishment or to identify the ‘unwanted’. Stigma has therefore gained an unpleasant undertone. For example many years ago, some groups of society marked women on the forehead if it was believed that they were immoral. These marks ostracised people from what was considered ‘proper’ society. If you were seen in the company of people who were marked in this way, the mark could ‘rub off’ on you and you in turn would be stigmatised.

Thankfully, in recent times many forms of discrimination have declined in our society. For example, it is not socially acceptable to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sex, race or religion.

 

Stigma associated with depression

 

Mental illness still unfortunately generates misunderstanding, prejudice, confusion and fear. Some people report that the stigma is at times worse than having the illness itself. In many cases, people are less willing to offer support and empathy if someone suffering from a mental illness from a physical illness.

Stigma associated with depression can be personal or perceived. Personal stigma relates to the depressed persons judgement of themselves and their illness. Perceived stigma relates to those views thought to be held by society towards the individual. Both aspects need to be addressed to effectively help overcome the stigma associated with mental illness.

Often people suffering from depression do not want to acknowledge their need for treatment and support or simply don’t know how to raise the issue with family, friends or health care professionals. This is problematic as early identification and treatment is generally associated with better outcomes.

Can we reduce stigma?

Reducing stigma requires community and personal and community education coupled with a willingness among individuals to challenge discrimination when it occurs. The less people know about depression, the higher the likelihood of stigma.

Understanding depression, sharing information, discussing how we feel or think about depression are all useful ways we can help reduce stigma.