Deviant Behavior Study - Schizophrenia Term Paper

To be stigmatized by society for a disorder such as schizophrenia is truly unfair, due to the disorder not being the fault of the person afflicted with it. In all social situations, to be stigmatized would make the person an outcast, meaning that the person would be ostracized from all social activities that make up a "normal" lifestyle. In public places, the stigmatized individual would be shunned by everyone which would create much self-doubt and internal conflicts. For the schizophrenic, this would make his/her disorder even worse, for they would feel like social pariahs with some kind of horrible social disease that could inflict other persons, such as having tuberculosis or possibly AIDS.

For those persons who hold prejudices against mentally-ill individuals, the basis of their prejudice is mainly because of ignorance and being misinformed about various mental illnesses. Personally, I would tell these persons to place themselves in the shoes of those afflicted with mental illness which would give them a very good idea what it is like to be afflicted with a life-altering mental condition. Also, I would tell them to educate themselves by reading books about mental illness and perhaps visit a mental hospital to see for themselves what it is like to live with a mental condition that often makes it unfeasible to live a "normal" life in society. The reason why people have stigmas against those with mental illness is quite clear -- they simply do not understand the true nature of mental illness or perhaps have no desire to understand it and simply shrug it off as something that is not their problem.But mental illness can affect almost anyone, especially if it runs in families. Basically, the lack of knowledge on mental illness seems to be the main culprit when it comes to the on-going stigmatization against those with mental problems.

As to the sense of shame that a person with schizophrenia or some other mental condition experiences in their life, it could be reduced by letting them know that it is not their fault that they suffer from a mental disorder. Of course, anyone who has schizophrenia or some other type of disorder could alleviate their shame, at least to some extent, by having loving and supportive friends and family members as part of their daily lives, whether at home or in an institution. Also, the role of the psychiatrist is very important, for he/she could help the patient to understand that mental illness is not something to be ashamed about, due to the fact that most people, regardless of their social position, may experience the symptoms of mental illness at any time during their lives......