The words mental illness almost act the same as putting a name to a newborn face. Just as Morgan or Peyton name two girls, depressed or bipolar name two individuals. I specifically use the word name as a labeling term because having a Mental Illness, in our society, is seen as a defining quality instead of something that is acutely or chronically just a part of who they are. The obvious stigmatization attached to this disease is nonjudgmental in the way that it affects both the young and the old. As I continued to read more on the topic of Mental Illness I was shocked to find the damaging effects an older person suffers when they disclose their illness especially in the area of work life.
As we transition into adulthood we leave the realm of dependency and enter a world of self competency. We now have to rely on ourselves to rent or buy a living space, purchase food, clothing, and everything in between. The only way of doing all of this is by having a job; but what if this stable employment was almost impossible to attain? The problematic fact I realized after reading through David Whalen’s article is that those with a mental illness are less likely to keep or attain a career when their illness is made public (Whalen, 2006). A survey conducted in Canada found that more than half of employers would be reluctant to hire someone who is mentally ill, while a quarter of employers would dismiss someone who had not disclosed a mental illness (Whalen, 2006). His percentages on unemployment levels alone reiterate my opinion of the serious setbacks that older adults face:
“...61% of people with a mental illness are outside the labour force. Those with major depression, 40-60% are unemployed. 20-35% with an anxiety disorder are without work. 80-90% of individuals with schizophrenia are unemployed (Whalen, 2006).”
Looking at these percentage it is not surprising to see that only a third of people seek professional help and only one out of ten take some form of medication to treat their illness (Whalen, 2006). If acknowledging and making it aware that I had a mental illness would cost me my livelihood, I would probably make the same decision.
At first the high percentage rates of unemployment for those with a mental illness was surprising but as I continued to dig deeper into the world of stigmatization and false beliefs, an understanding grew. A lack of control, weak, violent and dangerous are just a few of the stereotypical views that Canadians hold of those with a mental illness (Whalen, 2006). Just in our everyday language, by using slang terms like “nuts” or “retarded” those preconceived views come to light. Until those preconceived thoughts on mental illness are abolished, will those percentages on unemployment decrease.
-Morgan Jones
References
Link, G., & Yang, H. (2004). Measuring mental illness stigma. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 30(3), 511-541.
Mullaly, B. (2007). The New Structural Social Work (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada.
Whalen, B. (2006). The stigma associated with mental illness. Retrieved from:
http://www.cmhanl.ca/pdf/Stigma.pdf
After reading this, if I had some sort of mental illness I would keep it to myself. I wouldn't want to take any chances and have fewer job opportunities. I know it sounds wrong, but if I was an employer, I would probably be reluctant to hire a person with a known mental illness. It is not that I discriminate towards those with illnesses but because of what is said in the media such as lack of control and violence (As you said) would be a large influence on anyone trying to run a successful business. Great post Morgan!
ReplyDelete-Nicole (Nikki) S.
Its sad to think how mental illness, although it is not chosen by the individual, can have such a terrible impact on those affected by it. It places people with mental illness in a difficult position, either you keep a secret that could harm your own well being or you disclose that you have a mental illness, become stigmatized and are then face the possibility that you are considered unemployable. It seems to me like it is a lose/lose situation; the stigmatization needs to be lifted!
ReplyDeleteKirsten
Great Post Morgan! It is sad to see that people have less jobs available for them when dealing with a mental Illness. I agree that stereotypes towards individuals who have a mental illness need to stop. Everyone should get a equal chance and maybe then the unemployment rates will drop.
ReplyDeleteSara
The stigmas against individuals with mental illnesses is keeping people from succeeding in the workforce. Our view on how we look at people with mental illnesses and the limitations that we put on their potentials in society needs to change. I can not agree more with your outlook on the situation. A really well done and thought out blog post Morgan.
ReplyDelete-Chandra B