by Richard Canhan

Created on: January 03, 2011

To enable anyone to fully understand the stigma of a mental health diagnosis you would need to be either a recipient of the diagnosis or someone very close to that person. No other person could fully comprehend the implications associated with that diagnosis, except maybe the medical professional that provided the diagnosis, no doubt with a degree of empathy.

A mental health diagnosis is not given lightly and would generally take more than one medical consultation over a period of time, and most likely involve a specialist. But once received the individual themselves can be surprised if not shocked by a mental health diagnosis. The diagnosis may well be accepted initially and treatment begins with being told it is a treatable illness and is not the individuals fault.

A quick computer check via ‘Synonym’ for the word ‘Stigma’ revealed words such as shame, disgrace and dishonor, so with that in mind it is no wonder the stigma of a diagnosis of a mental health issue is so hard to accept, it places an even greater burden not only on the recipient but loved ones also.

The stigma of a mental health diagnosis can include voluntary avoidance of recreational venues for fear of having to explain yourself, as the illness may not be visually apparent. So apart from constantly feeling embarrassed about your condition you hate the idea of living on medication. The symptoms of mental health issues are well known and do not necessarily need to be addressed in this article. If an individual is having an issue coping with everyday life, then they have a medical condition, but it may not necessarily be a mental health issue, which is why a correct diagnosis is so important. But the stigma comes soon after the diagnosis and sticks in the back of the mind, regardless of how many times they are told they are not at fault.

Once the correct diagnosis is obtained and understood it is then realized just how big the attached stigma is. As depression plays a major role in mental health issues and the ever growing stigma attached to the diagnosis makes it harder to accept. The stigma of a mental health diagnosis is like no other stigma associated with any other condition, which unfortunately becomes attached to the recipient of the diagnosis, not by the medical profession, but society. 

The individual with the mental health issue will already be on an emotional rollercoaster and will most likely have anxiety issues as well and may also be a little paranoid

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