Post Three

Besides Dr. Phil, Sigmund Freud is probably the most famous person to have ever worked in the field of psychology. He is known as the father of psychoanalysis, a practice that aims to release repressed emotions and experiences, i.e. make the unconscious conscious. Until Freud, it was almost universally agreed upon that mental illnesses were “organic,” meaning that psychiatrists believed they were due to some kind of deterioration or disease of the brain.  The idea that mental disorders could be caused by psychological reasons and not just by physical diseases in the brain had never been given much credence.

Freud was born in Austria in 1856 and trained as a neurologist at the University of Vienna. He set up a private practice in 1886, initially using hypnosis in his clinical work. However, he eventually began to use what he called “free association,” where he would encourage patients to talk freely about whatever ideas or memories occurred to them. Freud thought that his patients’ dreams could be analyzed to reveal the complex structuring of unconscious material and to demonstrate the psychic action of what he called repression, which underlay symptom formation. By 1896, Freud was using the term “psychoanalysis” to refer to his new clinical method and the theories that were based upon it.

Freud’s work is responsible for many terms we hear everyday, such as “Freudian slip,” “repression,” and “denial,” but he also made contributions to the field of psychology that are not as generally known, and even theories that are completely disproven. For instance, his theory of penis envy, the idea that girls between the ages of 3-5 distance themselves from their mothers and cling to their fathers because they “hold their mother responsible for their lack of a penis and do not forgive her for their being thus put at a disadvantage,” is now rightly viewed as ridiculous and offensively sexist. This article delves a little deeper into his perspective on women.

Freudian theory and practice have been challenged by empirical findings over the years. Some psychiatrists continue to train in, and practice, traditional Freudian psychoanalysis, but most psychiatrists today reject the majority of Freud's work and see it as being unsupported by evidence and best used for inspiration or historical study, if at all. Although Freud developed his method for the treatment of neuroses, some people today seek out psychoanalysis not as a cure for an illness, but as part of a process of self-discovery. Although much of his work did not stand up to the test of time, his ideas have become the basis for theories being used today. If it had not of been for Freud shifting the focus of psychiatry from physical ailments, the field of psychology may not have progressed to where it is today.

Post Two

There is often a long delay between the time an individual starts experiencing the symptoms of a mental illness and when they actually seek help. The main reason cited by those individuals is the fear of the stigma of mental illness being attached to them. Unfortunately, the stigma doesn't seem to disappear after a person has sought help for their symptoms either, as this article states "Nine out of ten mental-health patients felt that the stigma associated with the illness was more difficult to deal with than their actual conditions."

However, there are people out there actively fighting to put an end to the stigma of mental illnesses. Recently, comedian and television host Wayne Brady came forward and spoke about his struggle with depression. Brady revealed that he had suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts as far back as 2006, but it wasn’t until the suicide of his idol, Robin Williams, earlier this year that he decided to finally seek professional help. He said that if sharing his personal story helps someone then it “was all worth it.”

Other celebrities have also spoken up about being diagnosed with mental illnesses. Lady Gaga read an emotional letter aloud to the audience in London’s O2 arena in late 2013 from a fan that said he had attempted suicide, but had found comfort in her music. Lady Gaga then admitted that she herself takes medication everyday for a mental illness and is not ashamed about it. She confided that six months earlier she didn’t even want to continue her career in music, and then credited her boyfriend in helping her carry on.

In 2004, actress Glenn Closes’ sister Jessie came to her and told her she wanted to die. After admitting Jessie to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Glenn was inspired to help others as well. She then cofounded “Bring Change 2 Mind,” a foundation that attempts to counter the stigma and silence surrounding mental disorders. The nonprofit makes PSAs and aims to act as a portal to other organizations that can provide screenings, support, and treatment to those with mental illness.

It’s never easy to share your personal issues with others and make yourself vulnerable, so what these celebrities have done is actually very brave. Hopefully when more people come forward others will realize that mental disorders are just as legitimate as any physical condition, and those suffering from mental illness deserve as much respect as those without. No one chooses to be sick, and instead of pushing people with mental disorders down, we should be trying to lift them up.

Introduction

            Stigma is defined as a sign of disgrace or discredit; a distinguishing mark of social disgrace, which sets a person apart from others. The stigma associated with mental illness, although more often related to context than to a person's appearance, remains a powerful negative attribute in social relations. Despite increased efforts in educating the public about its many myths, mental illness continues to be seen as a sign of weakness.

            Stigma has become common in the workplace. It is not unheard of for an employee to be let go or to be demoted after spending time in a hospital for psychiatric reasons. Mentally ill individuals also face discrimination when trying to obtain employment; an American survey conducted found that more than half of employers would be hesitant to hire someone with a mental illness, while a quarter of employers would fire someone who had not disclosed having a mental illness.  These statistics leave many people with mental illnesses feeling as though they are unemployable.  In fact, 40-60% of people with major depressive disorder are unemployed, 20-25% with anxiety disorders are without work, and 80-90% of people with schizophrenia are currently unemployed.

            The stigma of mental illness rears its ugly head in other sectors as well, even in the healthcare field. A Canadian report found instances where suicidal individuals were forced to wait in emergency rooms for exorbitant amounts of time while patients with physical conditions were helped before them. Suicidal patients are also often forced to describe their symptoms to a higher number of professionals than those with physical symptoms before receiving proper care, a process that can be both frustrating and exhausting. One individual surveyed even told the researchers that the only way to receive adequate treatment for suicidal ideation in their community was to commit a crime or to actually attempt suicide. The fact that many health insurance companies do not pay benefits to the family of individuals who have committed suicide illustrates just how severe the stigma in healthcare remains.

            Stigma can also carry over onto the friends and family of those with mental illness, a phenomenon known as “associative stigma.” In a study of 162 people with a family member suffering from a mental illness, it was revealed that 83% experienced at least one psychological factor of associative stigma, with spouses in particular affected. Of the group that described being affected by associative stigma, 20% reported suicidal thoughts versus only 3% of the group not affected by associative stigma.

            One of the most unfortunate consequences of the stigma of mental illness is that it can prevent and/or delay those with symptoms from seeking help. According to this article studies have suggested that one in four people have some sort of mental disorder,but that up to 75% do not receive the care they need. In order to reduce stigma and aid individuals in getting the help they need it would be helpful to have a nation-wide campaign aimed at redefining the way society looks at mental illnesses. Classes could be taught in schools as well as in the workplace on the importance of mental health care. However, the best way to end stigma and discrimination is by starting with yourself. Educating yourself and being conscience regarding the choice of words that are used when speaking about someone with a mental illness can make a world of difference.