Sociology Mental Health

The global burden of mental health conditions is underappreciated and under resourced. Mental illness, also known as a mental disorder, is an anomalous behavioral pattern that causes suffering and an inability to function in ordinary life. Mental illness can arise from any number of causes, including both biological and situational. About 30% of the population worldwide is affected by a metal disorder and over two thirds of those affected do not receive the care they need (Nugi 235). Many nations around the world have no policies to address the basic needs and rights of individuals with mental illness, which contributes to limited prioritization of mental health needs. Today, mental health is the most neglected aspect of health in developed

Stigma impedes recovery from mental illness and represents a burden on people with mental illness and on society. People do not have a welcoming attitude with the mentally ill. The stigma of mental illness continues to be strong and pervasive in our society, and leaves lasting effects on people with mental illness. In the article “The relationship of multiple aspects of stigma and personal contact…” it says, “the stigmatizing label of mental illness has the objective external effects of discrimination in housing, employment, and insurance coverage” (Boyd 1067). Worldwide, stigma prevents people that suffer with mental illness from taking full part in society and also affects their education, access to care, and their capacity to contribute to society. For example, “Stigma associated with mental disorders can also influence career choices resulting in fewer people choosing to work in the mental healthcare field” (Nugi 239). Large proportions of students have been discouraged by their medical school teachers, family members, friends, and fellow students from going into psychiatry. Due to a decrease in medical students choosing to work in the mental healthcare field, the limited knowledge of the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illness will

The expansion of psycho-pharmacology seems to reflect fundamental questions about how we view and understand mental health conditions. “Some professionals advocate for pharmacological strategies in appropriate situations, while others might be reluctant to consider drugs as a responsible aspect of therapy” (Kaut 197). This leaves many people questioning how professionals view the nature of mental and affective processes for the mentally ill. The belief that behavioral and psychological disorders can be reduced is linked to the expectation that all treatments will correct the dysfunctions and imbalance. This also may stifle an individual’s willingness to search for professional help when psychological problems arise. Professionals efforts to address mental health problems also lack the reliable data they need to address the medicalized help mental health people need. Also, "drugs are nearly ubiquitous in the modern medical and social landscape, from the ever-expanding selection of medications, prescription and nonprescription, to the growing impact abused drugs are having on individuals, families, and society" (Kaut 196). This shows how today, we rely on medications to do the job for us. Medication is very helpful in many cares but the mentally ill are drowned with many