Mental health diagnoses are common across the world. Data collected by the United Nations (UN) suggests that in 2022, approximately a billion people worldwide have a mental disorder.
In England alone, around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem every year, with 1 in 6 people reporting experiencing a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
Many people unfortunately have a negative preconception of individuals with a mental health diagnosis, and people living with a mental health condition often have to battle against these stereotypes.
In this article, we look at some of the most common mental health stereotypes, how mental health is portrayed in the media, and how we can combat the misconceptions surrounding mental illnesses.
Often, the perception of an individual with a mental health diagnosis is quite negative, and may stem from the portrayal of mental health in the media, societal attitudes including stigma and prejudices, and lack of understanding.
Some of the most common mental health stereotypes are that individuals with a mental health condition are lazy and lacking motivation, should try harder, or should “just get over it”.
Individuals may be told they have nothing to be sad about, or nothing to worry about. The reality is that, while some external factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing a mental health condition, mental health does not discriminate, and anyone can be affected at any point in their life.
Another negative perception that can be quite damaging is the idea that everyone with a mental health diagnosis is violent or dangerous. This misconception is most commonly associated with schizophrenia.
However, a study conducted by Patricia R. Owen, Ph.D. found that individuals with a mental health condition are more likely to be victims of violent crime, rather than perpetrators.
Many of these mental health stereotypes may arise from the way mental health conditions are portrayed in the media.
It is very important to be aware of the content that we consume.
Many films and tv programmes over-dramatise and exaggerate things for entertainment purposes.
In this video, Help for Heroes Veteran David Dent MBE shares his thoughts on the portrayal of veterans and mental health stereotypes in TV & film:
Studies have shown that individuals with mental health conditions are most often displayed as crazy, violent, and unpredictable. Negative reactions to characters with mental illnesses are also often portrayed, for example, fear, rejection, and ridicule. In this review ‘Media portrayal of mental illness and its treatments: what effect does it have on people with mental illness?’ by Heather Stuart, Heather discusses the impact this portrayal has not only on influencing the public, but also on how it makes individuals living with mental health diagnoses feel.
It is important that we try to watch films and tv with an open mind. We should question the way mental health is portrayed in films and on tv, even in the news, and do our own research around different mental health conditions using credible sources.
Education is a powerful tool and having a basic understanding of different mental health conditions can allow us to challenge any misconceptions we may have had, and have open conversations with others who may have these prejudices.
Read more on how the media contributes to mental health stigma in this article from Very Well Mind.
As well as educating ourselves and keeping an open mind, one of the biggest ways to combat mental health stereotypes and stigma is to talk and keep conversations open.
Being honest with friends and family about how we’re feeling, sharing our experiences with others if we feel comfortable to do so, and getting involved in campaigns to promote awareness, are really important ways to combat mental health stereotypes.
Last year, Dr Alex George started a campaign with the aim of reducing the stigma around medication and mental health.
Additionally, ITV’s “Britain Get Talking” campaign has been running for a number of years now, and encourages us all to put down the technology, turn off the TV, and have a meaningful conversation.
The most recent campaign is focused on teenagers and young people, as the number of young people being treated per month for mental health problems is currently the highest on record – 400,000.
Ultimately, individuals living with a mental health condition are just like anyone else. Mental illness is not a choice, and it can affect anyone at any point in their lives.
Northern Healthcare is a 24/7 enhanced supported living service for individuals with a mental health diagnosis, learning disability or autism.
Our teams support our residents to live as independently as possible, as well as advocating for mental health both within services and in our wider society, fundraising for the mental health charity Mind, and encouraging residents to share their stories where they are comfortable to do so.
Read some of our resident’s stories here.
Find out more about life at our services here, and find out more about our bespoke support model here.
Read about the different types of anxiety disorders.
Find out how to recognise the symptoms of depression.
Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash.
