A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders.  Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. (n.d.). Mental disorders. World Health Organization. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders 

In 2019, common mental disorders around the globe include depression, which affects about 264 million, bipolar disorder, which affects about 45 million, dementia, which affects about 50 million, and schizophrenia and other psychoses, which affects about 20 million people. Neurodevelopmental disordersinclude intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders which usually arise in infancy or childhood. Stigma and discrimination can add to the suffering and disability associated with mental disorders, leading to various social movements attempting to increase understanding and challenge social exclusion.

Today, there are multiple dimensions or types of mental health-related stigma, including self-stigma, public stigma, professional stigma, and institutional stigma. People who suffer from mental health issues are considered MAD. For people with mental health issues, the social stigma and discrimination they experience can make their problems worse, making it harder to recover. It may cause the person to avoid getting the help they need because of the fear of being stigmatized.

Personally, I work at a mental health clinic where alot of people are being judged, stigmatized and discriminated by both family and friends. This stigma makes it hard for them to cope, and believe in them selves. Many people with serious mental illness are challenged doubly. On one hand, they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from the disease. On the other, they are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness. As a result of both, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life: good jobs, safe housing, satisfactory health care, and affiliation with a diverse group of people. Examples of these stigma or misconceptions include; persons with severe mental illness should be feared and, therefore, be kept out of most communities;  persons with severe mental illness are irresponsible, so life decisions should be made by others. All of these are very inaccurate.

However, understanding, being non judgmental and supportive is key to developing a healthy space for people with disability.  Joining a mental health support group either online or in person can help you deal with feelings of isolation and make you realise that you are not alone in your feelings and experiences. Also, Do not define yourself by your illness as other people might. Instead of saying ‘I’m schizophrenic’, say ‘I have schizophrenia’. because you are not your illness. Lastly, Remembering that you are not alone: Many other people cope with similar situations. People commonly struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental illnesses.