Mental health stigma is oppressing the mentally ill all around the world. Minimizing their issues and demolishing their character due to the stigma surrounding mental illness. Personally I know many people who suffer from mental illnesses. Some deny they have a problem because they have seen others be shamed for having this health issue. For others in my life the stigma regarding mental health has kept them from seeking treatment at all. I myself have struggled with the mental health stigmas keeping me from feeling accepted and safe to reach out for treatment. While I have made it past the pain there are many who face it every day that can not move on as easily if at all. Especially since the verbal attacks are sure to be looping in their minds as the pain clings on to any painful word said. Making all the cuts given from social stigma deeper than before. Unit 5 has a significant amount of helpful information that adds to the understanding of mental health stigma. As seen in social situations those who openly have mental health disorders are a part of their own class. This social class, community of a type of person, is placed towards the bottom. Self expression of mental pain commonly seen in emo fashion, scene music, ect make them deemed as the "weird" people by others who have a higher social class. Simply because they like this type of music, fashion, or are visibly in pain they face stigma. In order to hold others underwater socially people look to the exploitation theory. Where they actively promote the exploitation of other groups to assume privilege. The act of making art, sharing art, and arts subject matter are all major influences in assisting with those who are suffering from mental health stigmas being imposed on them. As well as working towards social justice to dissolve the stigma.
Stigmas about mental health are seen everywhere. Many people engage in perpetuating them as well. Creating a low social class for those suffering from mental health. The art making process is helpful to those suffering from the consequences of mental health stigma but the content of the art made can be influential as well. Making art relating to the topic of ending mental health stigma is important to removing the suffering faced by those who endure the stigma. People who encourage mental health stigma could learn from the art created by those who suffer. When looking at "the impact of mass media interventions including film, photographs, radio and comics attributed reduced prejudice (attitude) for mental health problems to creative and artistic content"(Gaiha, Shivani Mathur, et al, 2). Intentional art subjects implemented for the people of society leads to mental health stigma being lessened overall. When thinking about what forms of art are most available to the general public one would first think of film. Film is one of the top art forms that is changing the minds of the public about perpetuating mental health stigma. Although "the largest positive effect on knowledge may be attributed to interventions using multiple art forms (effect size = 1.47, 95%CI -0.19-3.13; p = 0.08), followed by film (effect size = 0.14, 95%CI -0.21-0.50; p = 0.42)" (Gaiha, Shivani Mathur, et al, 17). According to the data provided, multiple art forms and film are the most influential forms of art to cause social change regarding mental health stigmas. By using art subjects and making art that fights against mental health stigmas one can further the idea that there is no merit to mental health stigmas. Thus leading to a positive impact on those who are suffering from the backlash of mental health stigma perpetuation.
Not only is speaking up about mental health stigma issues, in order to normalize them, beneficial to dissolving the stigmas, it is beneficial to those who suffer. As dissolving the social justice issue of stigmas is simply one aspect of this matter. By having representative media it has "provided a space for young people with shared interests to meet, which has helped individuals to overcome feelings of being 'out of place'" (Gómez-Restrepo, Carlos, et al, 6). Mental health stigma typically leans towards the idea that the individuals suffering are a type of 'freak'. By dissolving the stigmas it resolves the new pain being imposed on those who suffer. The suffering already inflicted is in need of repairing. By uniting with other people who are like minded and dealing with similar issues to them it gives them a sense of belonging that was taken away by the mental health stigma they have encountered. So they can feel less like a 'freak'. Having de-stigmatization from others is an important aspect of working on emotional repair from stigma. Healing the damage already done as well as dissolving the stigmas surrounding mental health are essential to giving this community social justice.
In conclusion mental health stigmas are something the art community can work on combating. As those who suffer from mental health conditions and the stigmas that come with these conditions can seek comfort in art and their local art community. Working on art that helps others understand that mental health stigmas are not anything to be engaging in is important. Leading othres to see the harm that mental health stigmas cause and encourage them to become allies to those struggling with their mental health. Art neutralizing the social concepts prepeterating stigmas. With social justice on the rise due to the dissolving of these mental health stigmas there is an increased inclusion for those who suffer from mental health issues.
Works Cited
Gómez-Restrepo, Carlos, et al. “Role of the Arts in the Life and Mental Health of Young People That Participate in Artistic Organizations in Colombia: A Qualitative Study.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 22, no. 1, Dec. 2022, p. 757. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.proxy.sierracollege.edu/10.1186/s12888-022-04396-y.
Beauchet, Olivier, et al. “Effects of ‘Thursdays at the Museum’ at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on the Mental and Physical Health of Older Community Dwellers: The Art-Health Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol.” Trials, vol. 21, no. 1, Aug. 2020, p. 709. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.proxy.sierracollege.edu/10.1186/s13063-020-04625-3.
Gaiha, Shivani Mathur, et al. “Effectiveness of Arts Interventions to Reduce Mental-Health-Related Stigma among Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 21, no. 1, July 2021, p. 364. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.proxy.sierracollege.edu/10.1186/s12888-021-03350-8.
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