16 | opinion / the standard / feb. 2021
LOOKING PAST THE Societal stigmas build frowned upon stereotypes regarding mental illness
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ith half of all mental illnesses being diagnosed by the time adolescents enter high school according to Mental Health First Aid, it is commonly acknowledged that negative attitudes prompted by stigmas will only have a negative impact. The stigmatization surrounding mental health holds an infamous reputation and with the stereotypes the stigmas create, reaching out for help is discouraged. Despite all the notions present to combat this issue, these social stigmas are emboldened by the negative normalization of not accepting those who present mental illness. School psychologist Emily Demo defined mental health as the cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being of a person. Demo said she has noticed the impact of societal stigmas and said that it stems from the unwillingness to understand. “[Stigmatization is caused by] the lack of understanding or lack of being interested in understanding more or learning more,” Demo said. “I think that that’s harmful and makes it hard to reach out.” With mental help being such a frowned upon topic because of the negative attitude we see present surrounding it, help seems out of reach. “Maybe it’s not something to talk about, or think about,” Demo said. “Which makes it harder for people to get access to
care if they need it … and support if they need it.” This fixed mindset claiming mental health as a flaw causes the red flags and symptoms to go unnoticed. Junior Jack Newlin said he notices how things are overlooked and how leaving mental illnesses untreated can have harmful implications. “Some people think it’s not as important,” Newlin said. “Some parents will just think it’s just teenagers being moody or going through puberty and stuff like that, when in reality, there could actually be something wrong.” Similarly, senior Caroline Hoggatt said mental health has yet to be normalized by society and people are still caught up in thinking that mental illness is an evitable defect. “I think that people are honestly just scared,” Hoggatt said. “Especially with a child, [parents will] probably feel like they messed up somehow and then they feel guilty.” The entirety of this societal stigma is based upon misconceptions and the inability to reform and support a situation that is difficult to understand. Demo said a lack of education increases that stigma gradually and brings about negative energy. “It makes it much more difficult for people who actually have [mental illnesses] to be found,” Newlin said. “It is hard for
