Mental Health Case Study

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Recommended: Impact of stigma on mental health patients

Many studies on the public perception of mental illness have reported that person with mental disease is often seen as violent and unpredictable. According to Canadian Medical Association [CMA,] 2008), almost half of the Canadian population is confident that people use mental illness as an excuse for their unacceptable behavior. Almost 30% of Canadians feel scared to be around someone with a mental disorder [CMA], 2008). Regretfully, I was among those, who often depicted people with mental health conditions as dangerous. Stereotypes about mental health conditions have had a significant impact on lives of mentally unwell people, as some of them have been denied adequate housing, health or social services and jobs due to the mental illness. Even though, this specific population is not falling into the category of mentally ill, they are often stigmatized as “crazy” or “mentally retarded” (Tang, Byrne, Friedlander, Mckibbin, Riley & Thibeault, 2008). Individuals with developmental disability have cognitive deficit and impaired adaptive mechanisms; therefore, they are less likely to develop appropriate coping skills for everyday stressors. Also, medical complications often displayed as challenging behaviors. Limited verbal skills, pain and discomfort may trigger physical aggression towards other people. Some conditions, like cerebral palsy, manifest with uncoordinated, uncontrolled movements, which, together with deep verbal impairment, frightens ordinary people and engenders stigma. Individuals with cerebral palsy, autism or Down syndrome, for example, often develop social anxiety, severe depression or suicidal thoughts. This may happen as a result of frustrations with their physical condition, teasing or bulling from the public, feelings of inadequacy, abuse or inability to cope. If behavioral changes identified in an individual with developmental disorder, a behavioral therapist, social therapist or psychologist can be of assistance. However, without community involvement, people with developmental

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