One likes to think that society is compassionate and takes care of its own, especially those individuals who are less capable of taking care of themselves. Children, the elderly, and the mentally ill – these groups often struggle with dealing with daily life. Society sees children and the elderly as “deserving” of help since they aren’t often physically capable of taking care of themselves. However, mentally ill individuals don’t fare nearly as well. Research shows that many of the mentally ill do not receive the help they need (Sickel, Nabors, & Seacat, 2014). They often suffer the stigma of mental illness (Parcesepe & Cabassa, 2013). They also have trouble overcoming barriers such as navigating insurance, identifying healthcare providers, and other issues like homelessness (Montgomery, Metraux, & Culhane, 2013).
The body of the paper will detail issues like navigating insurance, identifying treatment providers, and dealing with other issues like mental illness stigma and homelessness. The paper will identify how society causes or contributes to these problems. It will also identify society-based solutions or ways that society can help the mentally ill overcome these barriers to treatment and help. It will likely include real-life examples of these situations from the perspective of my sister who suffers from depression and bipolar disorder.
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"Mental Illness: A Social Problem and the Injustice of Society".
In conclusion, it’s obvious that society often adds to the struggles that already face the mentally ill. Creating stigma against the mentally ill is a barrier to them seeking help. They also struggle to obtain and use insurance (which would help them), identify mental health care providers who can provide appropriate treatment, and deal with other issues like substance abuse and homelessness. Society often exacerbates these issues as faced by the mentally ill; therefore, society should take steps to prevent these issues. Society should also be more proactive in reaching out to the mentally ill who often struggle to get help. The mentally ill are people, too.
- Montgomery, A. E., Metraux, S., & Culhane, D. (2013). Rethinking homelessness prevention
among persons with serious mental illness. Social Issues & Policy Review, 7(1), 58-82. doi:10.1111/j.1751-2409.2012.01043.x - Parcesepe, A., & Cabassa, L. (2013). Public stigma of mental illness in the United States: A
systematic literature review. Administration & Policy in Mental Health & Mental Health Services Research, 40(5), 384-399. doi:10.1007/s10488-012-0430-z - Sickel, A. E., Nabors, N. A., & Seacat, J. D. (2014). Mental health stigma update: A review of
consequences. Advances in Mental Health, 12(3), 202-215. doi:10.5172/jamh.2014.12.3.202
