Question

How do we overcome the stereotype that mentally ill patients are ill because of something they did while physically ill patients are ill because of something that happened to them?

Even physical illness is often blamed on the patient (e.g., lifestyle behaviors),

(1) to what extent does such blaming interfere with, even suppress, empathy or patient-centered care?

(2) How do insurance restrictions reduce the quality of care and diminish outcomes for mentally ill or lifestyle-related illness?”

Answer 1

Answer- The stereotype that mental illeness is different from physical disease is completely a myth. The causes of mental illness are unknown and the society does not have proper understanding about it. Many people believe that it is patient's fault that he is mentally ill which is very insensitive and unnatural. There are many misconceptions regarding mental illnes. For some people depression and anxiety are commomn things and can be cured easily. So they dont pay attention on their loved ones as they pay during any physical disease. Today there are many mental health programs being organized for creating awareness among people regarding mental illness. Today there are different therapies and counselling facilities that help people to cure from different mental problems. When our senses or emotions fail to work properly and we have stress, we face mental problem. It is not a person's fault or sin to be mentally unfit.

Physical health is an important factor of our life. Physical illness leads to mental illness. Now a days life style and behaviour of people give birth to many physical disorders. Consumption of alcohol, long working hours, excess use of ceffaine, low exercise, lack of sleep etc are the main causes of poor physical health. People dont pay attention on their life style and and become sick due to their casual behaviour. These kind of physical diseases causes mental disorders and lead to dipression.

1- Blaming a person with physical and mental illness has an adverse effect. These patients are left unattended and criticized. When a person is ill for a long time, it brings changes in family and friends relationship and they stop caring the patients. So its very important to make the family aware about patient's illness and care. So the family members could not blame him and take proper care of the patient.

2- Insurance restriction is a major barrier in treatment of a mentally or physically ill person. If a person does not have a health coverage, faces different problems like delay in treatment, inappropriate care etc. Health insurance does not guarantee to receive proper medical services because insurance has restrictions for mental illness and due to this many people do not get proper care and treatment.