In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) named depression a leading cause of disability and a major contributor to the global burden of disease. In other words, it is estimated that more than 300 million people on Earth suffer from depression and the disorder is considered a major health risk if not appropriately managed. This disease is characterized by loss of interest in everyday activities, insomnia, low mood and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, the WHO names depression the second-leading cause of death in young people from ages 15-29, an occurrence that health officials continue to investigate and monitor closely. What experts also recognize is that the way we address mental illness is influenced by our own culture and con[1]text, meaning that where you live can determine the way society responds to these types of health conditions.
Now, imagine someone asking you to define mental illness without using phrases like “trip out”, “crazy” or “demons”. Some Bahamians may find this exercise difficult, considering that the common attitudes toward mental illness may not be so flattering. Frankly, we are largely uninformed on what mental illness is and our interpretation of this concept is often clouded by our own beliefs and assumptions. So, let’s address the elephant in the room: Mental illnesses are health conditions where changes in emotions, thoughts and behaviors can cause distress and impact overall functioning. While there are a number of disorders that fall under mental illness, the public may be more familiar with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. What many people may not know is that mental illness is a reality for a large percentage of the global population and it can affect anyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, education, upbringing or religion. So, how does the average Bahamian respond to mental illness? If you said “with compassion, empathy and the desire to know more”, unfortunately, you are mistaken.
The word “stigma” is so closely associated with mental illness, that a quick Google search will often pair both phrases. Tagging along with this word is “prejudice” and “discrimination”, actions that indicate an unfair treatment or response based on limited knowledge or interaction. Therefore, stigmatization of mental illness is defined as the negative labeling, marginalization and avoidance of those with mental illness (Klarić & Lovrić, 2017). While religion has played a role in stigmatizing mental illness, we must recognize that labeling someone with spiritual possession is not the only myth that must be debunked. Those with these conditions are often framed as violent and unpredictable, painting them to be a danger to the public, and unworthy of dignity, respect and justice. These false narratives create further distress for those that suffer with their illness, and mistreatment of this population affects their “health, welfare, civic participation, access to resources, and quality of life” (Arboleda-Florez & Stuart, 2012). If you are consistently exposed to negative beliefs around your mental health, you may internalize these stereotypes, believe that you are unworthy of care, and experience a decline in your self-esteem and willingness to receive treatment. Although the mental health field continues to learn more about these disorders, and how to successfully treat them, public stigma remains a threat to programs that are accessible to those that need them, that address their mental illness and promote mental health.
With that being said, how can we reduce the stigma of mental illness? We must first attend to the stigma itself. To counteract this misinformation, an attempt to improve public knowledge on mental illness through psychoeducation and campaigns that raise awareness, may be beneficial. Having discussions or forums about mental illnesses in our communities can bring attention to the assumptions behind public stigma and encourage overall empathy. Additionally, mental health literacy programs may be useful in refining our understanding of mental illnesses, the different forms of available treatment and where to seek help. Replacing common myths with facts can begin to chip away at the enduring negative attitudes that influence how we treat those with mental illness and, by proxy, improve our perspective of mental health.
Finally, increasing personal interaction with this population, as well as advocating for their needs and vulnerabilities, may help us to see them as people that simply suffer from an illness. They are no different from the patient with some other physical condition and connecting with them in a pleasant and constructive way can improve public attitudes toward them. Our eff ort to destigmatize mental illness must be collective and unfailing. To bring awareness to mental health in our nation, we must challenge our beliefs, be willing to be educated on what we once thought we knew and address the ideas and opinions about mental illness that create the risk of mistreatment and intolerance. • Megan Johnson is the assistant coordinator, mental health, and psychosocial support, of the Bahamas Psychological Association.
