The foundation of the social work profession is rooted in two levels of social assessment and reform. One is the individual, or micro, approach, which examines the needs of the individual living in poverty and explores how trained social work professionals could assist the individual in overcoming barriers to economic self-sufficiency. The other approach, which occurs simultaneously, is a macro, or larger environment, approach. This approach identifies and influences changes in the larger systems (education, economic, etc.) to improve self-sufficiency. The social work profession incorporates both approaches and trains professionals to intervene effectively at both levels of practice.
For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Then, reflect on the dichotomy between micro and macro practice. Next, think about how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.
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This is a graded discussion: 25 points possible due Jun 22 at 1:59am
Week 7 Discussion: Psychological Disorders 42 42
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Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Initial Post Instructions Psychological disorders are often portrayed in the movies and television shows, but they are not always accurate depictions and may contribute to the stigma that people suffering from psychological disorders experience. What is the role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders? How can we, as a society help those with psychological disorders overcome the stigma?
Be sure to make connections between your ideas and conclusions and the research, concepts, terms, and theory we are discussing this week.
Follow-Up Post Instructions Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
Writing Requirements
Grading This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
Course Outcomes (CO): 7
Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday Due Date for Follow-Up Posts: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Course Outcomes (CO) 7
Textbook: Chapters 15, 16 Lesson
Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up) Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source) APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines
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(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373)Ganna Shvets (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373) Monday
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Hello Professor and classmates,
This week we are discussing psychological disorders, which include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Explanations of different disorders differ amongst countries, and cultural factors influence the specific symptoms of the disorder. Feldman (2018), describes the controversies in disorder classification by the society, for example, what some call mood dysregulation disorder characterized by temperamental outbursts in children between the ages of 6 and 18, others call a temper tantrum rather than a disorder. These controversies prove that our understanding of various disorders and abnormal behavior reflects the society and the culture we live in.
Culture and especially society play a big role in the stigmatization of psychological disorders. Perry, Lawrence, and Henderson (2020) define the stigmatization of psychological disorders as medically unwarranted. This social process of stigmatization influences our attitudes and behaviors—people with mental health conditions identified as problematic and are seen as different. On a larger scale, culture, and social contexts, not only determine, but also shape the mental health of minorities and alter the types of mental health services they use. The first thing we can do as a society to help those with psychological disorders overcome stigma is to try and understand the reasons for their behavior. We must try to “put ourselves in their shoes” and consider their social background. We must educate ourselves on the topic of mental health and mental disorders and promote mental health assessments. We must speak out against stigma, and encourage treatment for those in need.
References
Feldman, R.S. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
Perry, A., Lawrence, V., & Henderson, C. (2020). Stigmatization of those with mental health conditions in the acute general hospital setting. A qualitative framework synthesis. Social Science & Medicine. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112974
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/136348)Krista Tad-Y (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/136348) Yesterday
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Hello, Anna.
This line is entirely true:
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“We must educate ourselves on the topic of mental health and mental disorders and promote mental health assessments.”
Prior to this class discussion about Psychological disorders, I am guilty of the fact that I see people with mental disorders as someone dangerous and handful. Perhaps it is because I see fallacies of how they were portrayed on TV. See our sources and information are very important towards understanding the things around us. With what you said, I was enlightened and it gave me a positive outlook about these people who are in dire need of support. That they don’t deserve to be treated as outcasts or someone to be left behind due to wrong beliefs.
If people are properly informed and educated, they have the capacity to make a difference. They learn that they can change a situation and give the right response. Say for example, if we have fever and we are given antihistamine, we will not be cured. But, if we are given an antipyretic or analgesic drug, then we’ll see promising results and improvement.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/69954)Renee Owens (Instructor) Apr 22, 2020
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You may begin posting in this discussion forum on Monday, June 15th.
Psychological disorders are often portrayed in the movies and television shows, but they are not always accurate depictions and may contribute to the stigma that people suffering from psychological disorders experience. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Berkeley stated that, “The worst stereotypes come out in such depictions: mentally ill individuals as incompetent, dangerous, slovenly, undeserving. The portrayals serve to distance ‘them’ from the rest of ‘us’” (Fawcett,
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2015).
*Please be sure to review the discussion guidelines via the link provided above as to make sure you understand how discussions will be graded. Remember to cite all of your sources in APA format (in-text citations and list of references)*
*Initial response should be submitted by Wednesday, June 17th, 11:59 pm MT and discussion requirements need to be met by Sunday, June 21st 11:59 pm MT.*
References
Fawcett, K. (2015, April 16). How mental illness is misinterpreted in the media. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2015/04/16/how-mental- illness-is-misrepresented-in-the-media (https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health- wellness/articles/2015/04/16/how-mental-illness-is-misrepresented-in-the-media)
What is the role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders? How can we, as a society help those with psychological disorders overcome the stigma?
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121)Nicolle Bray (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121) Monday
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Professor,
There are an abundance of psychological disorders. Each one is unique in it’s own way. We can observe someone with a psychological disorder and can be completely oblivious to the fact that they are suffering from a psychological disorder. On the other hand, it can be apparent that someone has a psychological disorder, considered to be behavior that is abnormal (Feldman, 2018). The disorders that are visible to society has built a reputation for all psychological disorders both evident and concealed. Culture and society have built a stigma around those with these disorders. This stigma is established on the lack of knowledge and mislead perspectives society has on psychological disorders (Davey, 2013). People suffering from these are seen as violent, manipulative and in some cases a plea for attention. Along with social stigma, there is self-stigma. This happens when the person suffering perceives themselves they way society does, which can cause shame making the disorder difficult to treat (Davey, 2013). We as society can end the stigma on psychological disorders. Acquiring the correct knowledge on how mental illness functions is a start. In addiction, we can change our negative outlook on those who suffer. Our acceptance of those inflicted can be obtained when our attitude towards them is changed. I personally have several mental illnesses. Being discriminated because of my disorders is not something I
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would wish on anyone. I believe that those of us with mental illnesses can help end the stigma as well, by finding our voice. Speaking up to society and let them see the person we are, not the illness. We have to work together for the stigma to end. Everyone has a part they can do.
References
Feldman, R.S. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.) Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
Davey, G. (2013). Mental Health & Stigma. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma)
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373)Ganna Shvets (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373) Tuesday
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Hello Nicolle,
I absolutely loved reading your post! You are right, it starts with everyone speaking up on mental health, and those with disorders speaking up for themselves and getting the assistance they need. The problem will not be fixed unless we voice it. Mental health should be perceived in the same way physical health is. We go to the doctor when we are in pain, it makes no difference whether it is physical or emotional pain, and it is okay not to be okay. Our physical or mental illnesses do not define us, these are challenges that we must overcome, and we need help overcoming. Just like it is possible to live well with physical problems, the same goes for psychological disorders. It is merely a matter of finding the right treatment plan and having a support team. Apart from professional help, other things can positively influence our mental health. Among them are a healthy diet, exercise, ample sleep, and surrounding ourselves with positivity.
Thank you again for sharing and all the best to you,
Anna
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/136348)Krista Tad-Y (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/136348) Yesterday
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Hi, Nicolle.
I would like to agree on this line you said:
“Our acceptance of those inflicted can be obtained when our attitude towards them is changed.”
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I second your statement. If we are to label these people with psychological disorders and see them as someone who cannot be accepted by the society, who else will help them? Where else will they fit in? I believe everybody has something within themselves that they find not normal. As for me, some unusual things I discovered are mannerisms. I also have anxiety at certain times and I am narcissistic. But I don’t see it as something alarming. We have our own coping mechanisms, but there are those unfortunate ones who don’t have the abilities to handle the situation.
I think we should look at people, who cannot adapt, in a way that we care about them rather than judging them based on the stigma that was created in our minds by what we see on the television. They need our utmost empathy and help, we need to guide them towards the betterment of their condition.
Thank you for voicing this out.
Krista
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/145729)Amanda Chappell- Walkwitz (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/145729) Monday
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Hey, Dr. O and classmates,
I’m sure everyone here is probably familiar with the movie “Finding Nemo”. If not, it’s about a fish named Nemo being stolen from his dad, Marlon, and taken to a faraway place. His dad vows to find him and on the way, he runs into a fish named Dory. Dory has really bad short-term memory, is impulsive, and can’t easily follow multi-step directions. In the end, Dory ends up motivating Marlon to continue searching for his son and they find him. It’s implied that if it weren’t for Dory, then Marlon may not have found the courage to keep going to find Nemo. Many people have equated Dory’s personality to someone with severe ADHD. In the movie it’s played out to be a set of funny, quirky personality traits that she has that somehow lead to the two fish getting out of any trouble that they find.
Unfortunately, in the real world, ADHD isn’t just a forgetful person with a quirky personality who’s mistakes always work out in the end. Clinical characteristics of ADHD include inattentiveness, impulsivity, low tolerance for frustration, and generally inappropriate behavior (Feldman, 2018). This disorder is often diagnosed in childhood, but kids are sometimes misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed because all children display these traits at times (Feldman, 2018). The fact that ADHD is often over-diagnosed contributes to the stigma that many have about it. From personal experience, I’ve learned not to talk about mine and my daughter’s diagnosis of ADHD. Initially after our diagnosis, if the topic would come up in conversation, I would disclose mine and my daughter’s ADHD diagnosis to continue the conversation. That disclosure was almost always followed up by someone saying one or more of these things: “you guys just need more structure in your lives”, “you guys don’t have it, you just need to cut sugar and red dye”, “you just need to discipline her more firmly”, “she’ll
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grow out of it as she gets older”, or my personal favorite “I hope you aren’t drugging yourselves for it, that stuff is one molecule away from being meth.”
As a result of these comments I waited a long time to start medications for ADHD or to get them for my daughter and I was terrified to take it for the first time once I had the bottle of pills in my hand, which is unfortunate because this medicine has completely turned our lives around. It has been noted that the majority of people stigmatizing others with an ADHD diagnosis think that there medications zombify people and zap their personalities (Mueller, Fuermaier, Koerts, &Tucha, 2012), but this couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, proper dosing of medications can allow a person to flourish and increase their self-esteem.
As a society we can shrink the stigma that comes with psychological disorders by starting with the children. Inclusive classrooms have been shown to be beneficial to both children with disabilities and children without them. Children with disabilities score better on standardized testing when in an inclusive environment and children without disabilities show a reduced fear for human difference, growth of social cognition, and development of personal moral and ethical principles (Hehir et. al, 2016). Another way we can shrink stigma is to have high schoolers take mental health or psychology classes while in school. They may or may not do this now, I have no idea as I haven’t been in high school for around 13 years. Finally, there should be some kind of material available at different medical offices, such as a brochure or magazine, or maybe even something that someone can scan with their smartphone to further educate about mental illnesses. It could even, potentially be made into a game. People are much more likely to retain information that way. Educating children and making the next generation a better one is definitely going to be the best bet in my opinion.
References:
Feldman, R. S. (2018). Understanding psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque, New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Hedhir, T., Grindal, T., Freeman, B., Lamoreau, R., Borquaye, Y., & Burke, S. (2016). A summary of the evidence on inclusive education. ABT Associates Alana, 1-34.
Mueller, A. K., Fuermaier, A. B., Koerts, J., & Tucha, L. (2012). Stigma in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 4(3), 101-114. doi:10.1007/s12402-012-0085-3
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121)Nicolle Bray (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121) Tuesday
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Amanda,
I know all to well how the stigma of ADHD can cause problems with those that have it. Along with myself, both of my children have it. My daughter is 10. She was diagnosed at 7. My son is 6 and was just diagnosed a couple months ago. The biggest criticism I faced with my children was the discipline aspect vs medication. I was constantly being told that I just need to have a stricter regimen. My immediate family however are more knowledgeable than most about ADHD, due to witnessing my many attempts to
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control the behavior that is associated with ADHD. The only concern my family seemed to have was possibility of my children becoming addicts because of the medication and my personal history with drugs. However my family was behind whatever decision I made. Even though they suffered courtesy stigma from other relatives. Courtesy stigma is when close relatives or close friends are adversely judged due to their sheer affiliation with individual being ridiculed (LaSala, 2010). I agree with you on education of mental illness. This could be a key factor in ending the stigma of mental illness. Stay strong mama! You are not alone.
Refence
LaSala, M.C. (2010). Parents of Gay Children and Courtesy Stigma. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gay-and-lesbian-well-being/201008/parents-gay- children-and-courtesy-stigma (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gay-and-lesbian-well- being/201008/parents-gay-children-and-courtesy-stigma)
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373)Ganna Shvets (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/141373) Tuesday
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Hello Amanda,
Thank you for sharing about yourself and your daughter. I could not agree with you more, especially on the proper dosing of medications. One of my best friends was also diagnosed with ADHD. Thanks to her medication, she has become much more confident and accepting of herself. She recently graduated from a nursing school and is now successfully treating patients here in the DMV. Information is key, and educating ourselves and our children is essential in overcoming the stigma of psychological disorders. Holding seminars in schools and workplaces would be ideal for spreading the knowledge and empowering people on the subject of mental health as a whole, and specifically in the area of stigmas. I believe this strategy will gradually affect public opinion, and eventually, psychological disorders will present no more stigma than any other medical condition.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100)Oluwatoyin Olugbenle (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100) Yesterday
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hello Amanda,
This is a very good discussion recently a friend was telling me her child forgets things too much and can’t just be organized for once so i told her to go see a doctor probably she might have ADHD i was surprised at her reply ” she said i will disciple her till she becomes organized and will inform my pastor
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so they can start praying for her” this is one of the many parent tend to ignore their wards from having proper treatment which can lead to a more serious mental illness such as depression or having a low- self esteem if she is not able to live up to the society expectation. I’m glad you took the best decision regarding you and your daughters treatment.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/140201)Kristin DiPasquale (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/140201) Monday
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Hello class,
Not only do movies and television shows tend to incorrectly portray psychological disorders, but social media platforms are also at fault. With the growing popularity of platforms like twitter, Instagram, and tiktok, there are pictures and videos from movies and television shows that incorrectly portray psychological disorders that are shared here. People do not even have to watch the movie or show to see these clips.
Culture and society play a role in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders by the access of spreading false information. We live in a civilization where individuals have access to all kinds of information at our fingertips, and yet people tend to believe websites that are not credible in their reporting. People should be educating themselves on these disorders as opposed to believing in the false representation they see of these disorders online or on the television. The World Health Organization reports that one in four people will be effected by some sort of mental illness in their life (WHO, 2020). This finding shows that now more then ever, society needs to start calling out broadcast that stigmatize mental illnesses and start portraying these types of disorders in correct and ethical ways.
As a society, we should help those who suffer from psychological disorders overcome the stigma by educating ourselves, bring awareness to the spread of false information and portrayals in movies, and have conversations with individuals to see how they want to be treated. As the text states, there are several perspectives on psychological disorders and ways of treating and handling them. But compassion is always key.
References
Feldman, R. S. (2018). Understanding psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
World Health Organization. (2020). Mental Health Management. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/en/ (https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/en/)
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149582)Regina Ebanks (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149582)
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11:42am
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Hey Kristin!
Thank you for sharing your findings with us. I did not think about the role social media plays in regards to how people perceive mental illness or people with mental illness. Being on social media can deeply affect someone with mental illness because it shows them what certain people think of them and it may make them feel less than. Social media can cause mental illness such as anxiety and depression (Social Media and Mental Health – HelpGuide.org, 2020). I can attest to that. We just need to educate ourselves about mental illness and unplug from social media when necessary.
Reference:
Social Media and Mental Health – HelpGuide.org. (2020). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149059)Deanna Santiago (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149059) Monday
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There are a variety of psychological disorders that each have different characteristics, symptoms, and side effects. Some of these we are very familiar with such as ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and schizophrenia while some of them we may not be familiar with such as conversion disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and dissociative amnesia. We see different disorders portrayed in movies or tv shows but not very often do we see them in real life. At least we don’t think we see them in real life. Due to psychological disorders affecting a person mentally, we may look at someone and not consider them “ill” because there is no physical abnormality or disorder to see to the eye. “The signs of mental health issues are often unrecognizable to the naked eye” (Alford, 2020). When we do see people suffering from mental illness, many of us will jump to label the person as crazy, abnormal, or insane. Feldman (2018) states, “Society has long placed labels on people who display abnormal behavior. Unfortunately, most of the time, these labels have reflected intolerance and have been used with little thought as to what each signifies.” These disorders also have no preference- they affect males and females of any age which includes young children and geriatric adults.
As a society, we each need to be informed and educated about signs and symptoms of mental illness and psychological disorders. In the moment, it is very hard for the person experiencing an episode to realize and understand what is going on. They may go to do something that can harm their self or others. “Helping individuals affected by stigma to improve emotion regulation skills and to adjust to general life stress can mitigate the effect of cultural stigma on their increased vulnerability to mental health problems” (Burton, Wang, & Pachankis, 2018). If you as an individual do begin to notice signs or symptoms, or just don’t feel like your usual self, it is also just as important to recognize the signs and symptoms. Feldman (2018) says, “…many people do have problems that merit concern, and in such cases, it is important to consider the possibility that professional help is warranted.” It is only with each other that we can stop the stigma and give
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the professional, needed help to those in need.
References
Feldman, R.S. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
Alford, S. (2020, May 16). Mental Health Alert Wristbands hope to save lives, assist authorities. Savannah Now. https://www.savannahnow.com/entertainmentlife/20200516/mental-health-alert-wristbands-hope-to- save-lives-assist-authorities
Burton, C. L., Wang, K., & Pachankis, J. E. (2018). Does getting stigma under the skin make it thinner? Emotion regulation as a stress-contingent mediator of stigma and mental health. Clinical Psychological Science. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/the-science-behind-cultural- stigma.html
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/140201)Kristin DiPasquale (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/140201) Tuesday
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Hi Deanna,
I think you did an incredible job in your post to tie in our readings with the discussion question. Too often are mental illnesses cast away as unimportant, and this kind of intolerance is what this discussion had the class think more about and reflect upon. I loved your use of this quote from the textbook: “Society has long placed labels on people who display abnormal behavior. Unfortunately, most of the time, these labels have reflected intolerance and have been used with little thought as to what each signifies.” I think it perfectly describes this lesson and what we are aiming to learn and take away from these chapters.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149582)Regina Ebanks (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/149582) Monday
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Hey everyone!
Psychological disorders / mental illness can be described as conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. (Mental Disorders, 2014). These disorders range from OCD, phobias, personality disorders, mood disorders and more. (Feldman, 2018, p 498-513).
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When I was in my therapy session a couple months ago, my therapist said she believes everyone could benefit from therapy. Most people suffer from phobias and anxiety. Psychodynamic therapy and behavioral therapy are ways in which one can aid in psychological disorders. (Feldman, 2018, p 527).
What is the role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders?
How can we, as a society help those with psychological disorders overcome the stigma?
Reference:
Feldman, R. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.). nd, nd: McGraw-Hill Education.
Mental Disorders. (2014). Retrieved June 14, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html
Culture and society play a part on how people cope with their disorder and whether or not they get help.
As a society we need to normalize the psychological disorders. Educate people about them and make it known that it is okay to seek help.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121)Nicolle Bray (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/148121) Tuesday
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Regina,
You made an excellent point on how most everyone could benefit from therapy. I agree with that statement. The stigma that has been placed on mental illness could play a part in why people are hesitant to see a therapist. Public stigma is when the public supports predisposition standards that are negative, resulting in intolerance towards those with mental illness (Grappone, 2018). Self-stigma stems from individuals who suffer from mental illness incorporating public stigma within one’s self (Grappone, 2018). Self-stigma and public stigma both attribute to the roles that society and culture play in how mental illness is seen. Someone could be incorporating self-stigma which could be why they have not reached out for help on their mental illness. Shame and guilt are strong emotions that someone can feel when it comes to their mental illness deriving from how society perceives it. Ending public stigma could nip self-stigma in the butt. Acceptance of mental illness would help as well. Everyone is unique in their
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own way. If society opens their eyes to the truth on mental illness it could be a game changer.
Reference
Grappone, G. (2018). Overcoming Stigma. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2018/Overcoming-Stigma (https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2018/Overcoming-Stigma)
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134158)Maxwell Agu (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134158) Tuesday
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Hi Everyone
One in four adults in the U.S. is diagnosed with a psychological disorder that is to say that psychological disorder which is not easy to determine what is a psychological disorder but the concept of mental disorder (like many other concepts in medicine and science) lacks a consistent operational definition that covers all situations but perhaps, psychological disorder can be define as broadly as psychological dysfunction in an individual that is associated with distress or impairment and a reaction that is not culturally expected (Barlow and Durand, 2011)
People often think of mental health as a very personal matter that has to do only with the individual. However, mental illnesses and mental health in general are affected by the combination of biological and genetic factors, psychology, and society but the interesting aspect of society is its diversity in cultures and backgrounds that affect an individual’s mental health related experiences although, “the explanations of different disorders differ amongst countries, and cultural factors influence the specific symptoms of the disorder” (Feldman, 2018). However, there are many ways in which culture showed its influence on a diversity of experiences. For instance, culture affects the way in which people describe their symptoms, such as whether they choose to describe emotional or physical symptoms. Essentially, it dictates whether people selectively present symptoms in a “culturally appropriate” way that won’t reflect badly on them such as Asian patients tend to report somatic symptoms first and then later describe emotional afflictions when further questioned or asked more specifically. Furthermore, cultures differ in the meaning and level of significance and concern they give to mental illness. Every culture has its own way of making sense of the highly subjective experience that is an understanding of one’s mental health (Sofia, 2017).
Also, explanations for psychological disorders also differ among cultures. For example, in China, psychological disorders are commonly viewed as weaknesses of the heart, a concept that derives from thousands of years of traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese people are more likely than people in Western cultures to express their emotional anguish in terms of physical symptoms such as heart pain, “heart panic,” or “heart vexed.” They also may focus more on the effects that their symptoms have on their relationships with friends and family members than on themselves (Watters, 2010).
The consequences of stigma can be serious and devastating. With stigma comes a lack of understanding
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from others, which can be invalidating and painful, but stigma also carries more serious consequences including fueling fear, anger, and intolerance directed at other people. People who are subjected to stigma are more likely to experience: worse psychological well-being, reluctance to seek out treatment, delayed treatment, which increases morbidity and mortality (Shrivastava, Johnston& Bureau, 2012). More so, Stigma can cause those with mental health disorders to isolate themselves or develop negative thoughts and perceptions. It can also impact access to evidence-based treatment options.
I believe as a society, there are many ways we can help people with psychological disorders to overcome stigma though, society has come a long way in reducing the stigma around mental illness, but we still have a long way to go. Many misconceptions and stereotypes relating to mental illness still exist which education is important, but there are other things we can do to help reduce stigma such as person first language should be avoided for instance, rather than saying “mentally ill person” use “person with a mental illness.” Disorders should not be used as adjectives, e.g., depressed person, also, encourage them to engage in community involvement where they can be inspired, participate in local events, work with organization and as well and talk with legislators to help raise awareness about mental illness because mental health needs to be a priority, and it’s on all of us to make a difference. (Desiree, 2018)
References
Barlow and Durand (2011). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrated Approach, 6thedition. Belmont, CA; Wadsworth
Desiree, P (2018). Overcoming stigma associated with mental illness. Retrieved on June 16th , 2020 from https://psychcentral.com/blog/overcoming-stigma-associated-with-mental-illness/
Feldman, R.S. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
Shrivastava A, Johnston M, Bureau Y. (2012) Stigma of mental illness 1: Clinical reflections. Mens Sana Monogr.;10(1):70‐84. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.90181
Sofia, A (2017). Cultural Influences on Mental Health: Community health. Retrieved on June 13th, 2020 from https://pha.berkeley.edu/2017/04/16/cultural-influences-on-mental-health/
Watters, E. (2010). The Americanization of mental illness. The New York Times, p. C2.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/129318)Amanda Cafiero (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/129318) Tuesday
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Hello Everyone,
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Initial Post Instructions Psychological disorders are often portrayed in the movies and television shows, but they are not always accurate depictions and may contribute to the stigma that people suffering from psychological disorders experience. What is the role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders? How can we, as a society help those with psychological disorders overcome the stigma?
“devaluing, disgracing, and disfavoring by the general public of individuals with mental illnesses” (Abdullah, 2011). When it comes to television, movies anything unrealistic in that way, like to portray situations in a completely different light then what is real. Psychological disorders are no exception this topic shows up a lot. Many mental health disorders are portrayed a lot different than reality. On screen phycological disorders are portrayed as something the person has to hide and deal with it on their own. They also act as if this is something taboo that no one has ever heard of or dealt with before. It is crucial for television shows and any form of social media or anything like that in which portrays mental illness that they show it more realistically and show all of the options and help that is available for this.
Reference: Abdullah, T., Brown, T.L. (2011). Mental illness stigma and ethnocultural beliefs, values, and norms: an integrative review. Clinical Psychology Review, https://www.uniteforsight.org/mental-health/module7 (https://www.uniteforsight.org/mental-health/module7)
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/69954)Renee Owens (Instructor) Tuesday
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Psychoanalysis
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In addition to reading about psychological disorders, this week we also read about the different treatments for psychological disorders. Feldman (2018) describes psychoanalysis as an insight therapy that emphasizes uncovering a person’s unconscious conflicts, urges, and desires. These unconscious conflicts, desires, and urges are assumed to cause disruptions in emotions and behavior (Feldman, 2018). In this course, we have learned that Freud has been widely criticized for his theories and lack of scientific research to support these claims, however, aspects of psychoanalysis and other concepts are still used today.
Please answer at least two of the following questions:
References
Feldman, R. S. (2018). Understanding psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Freud Museum London. (2015, October 22). What is psychoanalysis? Part 1: Is it weird? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxaFeP9Ls5c
What is Psychoanalysis? Part 1: Is it Weird?
How does psychoanalysis seek to help people? Explain some of the key concepts associated with psychoanalysis? What are the key differences between Freud’s original methods and contemporary psychodynamic approaches?
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/118078)Anakari Martinez (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/118078) Tuesday
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Hello Professor and class,
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The term psychological disorder is sometimes used to what is more frequently known as mental disorders or psychiatric disorders (Cherry, 2020). Some psychological disorders are neurodevelopment, bipolar, anxiety, stress, dissociative, eating, and sleeping disorders, to name a few (Cherry, 2020). Society has long placed labels on people who displayed abnormal behavior by using words such as nuts, insane, looney, psycho, or strange (Feldman, 2019). When a person sees another person not acting “normal”, they automatically assume they are crazy, psycho, and weird, without knowing what that person is going through. People automatically assume that person needs to see a psychiatrist or needs some type of help. Whereas, culture affects the way in which people describe their symptoms, for instance, if they choose to describe emotional or physical symptoms (Andrade, 2017). According to Feldman, through most of human history people linked abnormal behavior to superstition, magic, and spells (Feldman, 2019). People use to even think that if an individual displayed abnormal behavior, they were accused of being possessed by the devil or some sort of demonic god (Feldman, 2019). I believe that as a society, we should educate ourselves more about psychological disorders, their signs and symptom to help overcome the stigma of psychological disorders. We should not judge a person by the way they are acting because we never know what that person is going through or feeling as far as going through a psychological disorder. We should try and help others by getting the help they need.
References
Andrade, S. (2017, April 16). Cultural Influences on Mental Health. The Public Health Advocate. Retrieved from
https://pha.berkeley.edu/2017/04/16/cultural-influences-on-mental-health/ (https://pha.berkeley.edu/2017/04/16/cultural-influences-on-mental-health/)
Cherry, K. (2020, March 19). A List of Psychological Disorders. Verywellmind. Retrieved from
https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776 (https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776)
Feldman, R. (2019). Understanding Psychology. (14 edition). New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Education.th
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100)Oluwatoyin Olugbenle (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100) Tuesday
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Psychological disorders are often portrayed in the movies and television shows, but they are not always accurate depictions and may contribute to the stigma that people suffering from psychological disorders experience. What is the role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorders? How can we, as a society help those with psychological disorders overcome the stigma?
What is a psychological disorder?
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This is said to be a pattern of behavioral or psychological symptoms that influence various life areas and create distress for the person experiencing the symptoms (Zimbardo 1997). These can range from mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, eating disorders, dissociative identity disorder, substance abuse disorders just to mention a few. A psychological disorder is diagnosed if these six indicators are present distress, maladaptiveness, irrationality, unpredictability, unconventionality, and statistical rarity and finally observer discomfort. The role of culture and society in the prevalence and stigmatization of psychological disorder are numerous for instead in the fifteenth century Germany believed that people with a mental disorder were possessed by the devil and the cure was to be killed or prosecuted as evidence of witchcraft which most people still believe in till date that if one is mentally unstable they have possessed by the devil and some will say people with ADHD are just been lazy or just stubborn. But most of this mental illness is caused by a combination of biological and genetic factors which they totally have little or no control over, psychology factor and society factor. The cultural factor can impact the way this illness will be described to prevent stigmatization of being called crazy and this factor also will determine the support that will be gotten from the community including a family member and also the available resource.
The way we can help mentally disoriented people overcome stigmatization is by watching the way we address them, by showing compassion, checking on them to see how they are doing and finally creating an awareness that mental illness can be managed and cured if it is reported early.
Reference
Andrade, S. (2017, April 16). Cultural influences on mental health. https://pha.berkeley.edu/2017/04/16/cultural-influences-on-mental-health/
Rubina, K. (2019, July 11). Four ways culture impacts mental health https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/07/four-ways-culture-impacts-mental-health/ (https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/07/four-ways-culture-impacts-mental-health/)
Zimbardo, P.G. (1997). Psychology (2nd ed.). Ann L. Weber
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134006)Allyn Raatz (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134006) Yesterday
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Hello class!
Psychological disorders can be a very emotional topic. I have someone close to be who struggles with bipolar disorder. It is very true how inaccurate depictions of these mental disorders create a feeling within the struggling person of being misunderstood by society. I hear him quote this saying all the time and this
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assignment drove it home for me. Really understanding what he was saying. “The worst part of having a mental illness is people expecting you to behave as if you don’t” (Dr. Anita Federici). It took a while for me to really understand the totality of this statement. Society views people as normal and abnormal. For people with mental disorders that IS their normal. So, when people expect them to act “normal” they feel it’s an unfair or unrealistic expectation’s stigma of these disorders brings so much shame to the struggling person that it makes treatment more difficult. We as a society shouldn’t ever make anyone struggling with this horrible disease feel in any way “less than”. We don’t make cancer patients feel this way! So why someone struggling with another just as devastating disease do, we as a society feel the need to make them feel shamed along with their suffering? We do them an injustice by incorrectly portraying their illness, yes and ultimately making them feel alone and misunderstood, therefore, creating a bigger problem with treatment. Speaking out against these stigmas is vital for change. But first, we must truly recognize that the struggle is real and out of their control.
“Finally, socio-cultural explanations provide relatively little specific guidance for the treatment of psychological disturbance. Because the focus is on broader societal factors, it is not obvious how to treat disorders in a specific individual” (Feldman, 2018).
References
Feldman, R.S. (2018). Understanding Psychology (14th ed.). Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100)Oluwatoyin Olugbenle (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/154100) Yesterday
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Hello Allyn
this is so true we make them feel different and see their abnormal behavior as normal they struggle to fit in some are so scared to even speak out recently i lost a friend to depression he was struggling he could tell anyone what he was going through so he wouldn’t me called a weak man i wept when his last note was made public. We should try and show love to people battling with any mental illness and sometime put ourselves in that situation to see if we would be comfortable if we re treated the way we treat them.
(https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134006)Allyn Raatz (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/63025/users/134006) Yesterday
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Oluwatoyin,
You are absolutely right. I am terribly sorry about your friend. How horribly heartbreaking. It’s so
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By Day 4
Postan explanation of “the dichotomy between micro and macro” practice. Then, describe how micro practice has come to dominate the social work profession.
Required Readings
Popple, P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2015). The policy-based profession: An introduction to social welfare policy analysis for social workers. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Chapter 1, “The Policy-Based Profession” (pp. 5-19)
Steen, J. A. (2012). Critical thought within the social welfare policy course. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32(1), 14–28.
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
