Mental Illness And Psychiatric Disability Essay - 1406 Words

The purpose of this essay is to explain the definitions of mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability, using bipolar disorder as an example to illustrate these points. Bipolar disorder will also be used to explain the concepts of the medical and social models of disability, highlight the influence these two models could have on people with the disorder and the experiences they might encounter. There will be a focus on some of the experiences a person suffering from mental illness might have in society, the effect these experiences can have on an individual and the influence of stigmas and stereotypes. This leads to the final discussion point, the action of self-disablement. This section discusses how a person with a mental health issue can be influenced by labels, stigmas and stereotypes, and how this can stop them from seeking help and achieving their goals. The definitions of mental health and mental illness can vary greatly and most are subjective, simplistic or are only partial definitions (Freshwater Boyd, 2006). Freshwater and Boyd (2006) highlight the idea of mental health and illness being viewed as a â€Å"continuum†, where people are located at different points due to life events, developmental stages and genetic influence throughout their lives. As Hinshaw and Cicchetti (2000) state individuals with mental illness aren’t either â€Å"ill† or â€Å"well†, instead they experience episodes of remission and relapse over the course of their lives. From a medical viewShow MoreRelatedThe Stigma Of Children With Mental Illness1608 Words   |  7 Pagesassociation with mental illness. This stigma creates a negative feedback loop in how society views people with psychiatric disabilities. Media portrays people with mental illness as scary, bad, dangerous, unpredictable, and un-educated. 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