Social Construction Of Mental Illness

What classifies one as exhibiting personality traits descriptive of “mental illness”? Is it defined through observation of activity deemed “abnormal” by those normal enough to create this criterion or standard? Or is it an indication of one’s ability to give and receive information, tied to their capability of thinking? The meaning of illness itself is generally used to identify one as being in a state of impaired function brought about by harmful foreign influences. The term is also one that is understood to be temporary, describing a period of weakness as opposed to a permanent ailment that is irreversible. So why then does society often label those diagnosed with these disorders of the mind in way that permanently defines them within a condescending
stigma of disability and separation? For what I have come to realize, the measure of mental disability lies most social in one’s social ability and interactions.

I often question many of the misconceived notions towards individuals who suffer from mental disorders.
I don’t see mental illness as something that can be connected to one’s personality, yet in many social settings it seems to form a lasting impression. A mention of mental illness or admission of such creates a perception that may be in many ways false. Because of negative social views tied to mental illness, those who are known to deal with it are often categorized and outcast from others out of misunderstanding. Many of the mental illnesses that are often spoken of such as depression and anxiety have each impacted us at one point in our lives. Be it one catastrophic episode that severely traumatizes a person or the corrosive effect of repeated negative events, outside influence can leave a lasting impact on our way of thinking. In no way is this a reflection of the individual personality, but its common nonetheless to connect these two separate entities. As I have come to develop my own viewpoint relating to the subject, I mainly see mental illness for how it impacts a person’s ability to integrate themselves within society. To best convey this I will use mental sickness, mental illness, and mental disease to express the impact that I feel is placed upon those with a mental
disorder.

I deem the most important aspects of mental disorders to be based on the length of effect, commonality, behavioral alteration, and whether it is genetic in nature. If I were to categorize them into groups however, the greatest and most identifiable factor would be of social impact. Conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, general anxiety & depression, and to some extent eating disorders, all share a common level of acceptance within our culture. They don’t as greatly impact someone who experiences said conditions, and with some self-understanding of one’s behavior it is possible to live in a manner that allows for normal interaction with others on a daily basis. As time has progressed and we have learned more about these types of disorders, they have become normalized by society. One can even venture to say that they are exhibited by everyone, albeit not to an extent that is diagnosable or even noticeable enough that it would interrupt daily activity. Medications have been created that effectively alleviate some of the difficulties that individuals with these mental illnesses must contend with, and are understood as a safe treatment when taken as directed. Therapy is another alternative that continues to show positive results in those with mental illness. Counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy are of the most-known types of therapy, and in combination with medication these forms of treatment can lead to long-lasting results. It is for these reasons stated that I would classify them as mental sicknesses; with time and proper care they will get better on their own, and those who observe mental sickness will for the most part consider it a passable characteristic. Much like a fever, cold, or any seasonal sickness that temporarily weakens the body, they are perceived as part of being human. Though these types of disorders vary in length and noticeable traits, it’s generally agreed that many people do not immediately judge those who admit to or exhibit mental illness to this degree. It is socially deemed “acceptable” so long as it does not create disruption in normal daily life.

The second tier of mental illnesses includes those such as post-traumatic stress disorder, severe eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia that may lead to unsafe weight-cycling), addiction, and mild to moderate dissociative disorder. This can also include mental sicknesses mentioned earlier, but of a more progressive and severe nature that would lead to seclusion and difficulty in self-sustainment. They are powerful enough to even separate a person from their motives, beliefs, desires, and even basic needs for health. Medication or therapy alone may not be enough to provide effective treatment, and often both are what is required to simply manage the experience of having such disorders. But as these mental illnesses are stronger and more identifiable, they begin to create an idea that the individual is “connected” with the disorder. Relationships are more difficult to form, jobs are harder to keep, and life becomes increasingly restricted. The negative stigma around these types of disorders is more prevalent and causes more judgement in social situations. This again is due to a lack of understanding that the general population possesses, and until there is light shed on why people develop such complications of the mind it will continue to hold greater stigma within society.

Of all metal illnesses discussed thus far, none would measure to be socially classified as mental disease.
For those who suffer from mental disease it is often too severe to live a normal life. At this stage of mental illness, the mind is in a bondage that is near unbreakable, and within society these individuals are not typically interacted with as peers. They are a mental illness instead of have; they are characterized by what they suffer from and are no longer socially accepted. Schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, bi-polar disorder, and borderline personality disorder all have a place in this frame of classification. Psychiatric hospitals aim to remove these problems, but in most all cases they only can protect the person suffering from the illness from others around them and from themselves. These more complex mental illnesses are often the result of pre-disposition, genetic factors, or severe trauma that exacerbated already present indications. Until further research is made in the field of psychiatric treatment, illnesses of this magnitude will continued to be shunned among many circles of
society.

As we continue to gain more understanding these misconceptions of mental illness will begin to fade. The human mind is the most complex and powerful processing unit ever known, and there is so much to be discovered that will provide answers as to why these shortcomings are witnessed and experienced by all. There are medications and forms of therapy I feel have yet to be used that could greatly improve some of the more debilitating conditions that some individuals suffer from. I believe that it is extremely important to realize and understand that these mental illnesses do not define a person, nor does it render them inhuman. Being human is a gift of spiritual ascension, and it is a unique experience predicated upon interaction with the world in which we live. Though these illnesses may invade and hamper our spiritual journey, they are in no way a part of who we are or what we are to become. Instead it is what we are born out of and how we choose to live that begins to shape our sense of self. The spirit of a human being is a unique energy that can never be destroyed, no matter the size of the disability that must be wrestled against.