Disruption: A Collection of Narrative Profile about the Stigma and Discrimination of Mental Illness on Senior High School Students
James Garreth Gomez De La Salle University Integrated School
[email protected] Juan Miguel O. Moreno
Research Adviser
Abstract or Executive Summary: This study summarizes the stigma and discrimination being experienced by young adults and acknowledges areas wherein research is needed to identify the factors that contribute to this matter. The following questions are addressed: (1) What kind of stigma and discrimination do these teenagers with depression and/or an anxiety disorder experience? (2) How can the stigma and discrimination of mental illness be portrayed through the particularities of the narrative profile? (3) What techniques will be used for the narrative profile that may effectively portray lived experiences and raise awareness? A collection of narrative profile essays was established for this research for it required critical discourse on the subject that included a more comprehensive study. The usage of research and development of the profile essay requires different perspectives, extensive details, and how the stigma is being developed. Further examination of the discourse will be shown with the use of a narrative profile essay, which will benefit society regarding mental illness awareness.
Keywords:Mental illness; stigma; discrimination; narrative profile; young adults
1. INTRODUCTION
While dealing with their mental health, individuals with mental illness may find it hard to cope with public and self-stigma, as well as prejudice. Mental disorders in adolescence are not new to society however, the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness have not improved throughout time (Treatment Advocacy Center).
Despite all the studies, research, promotion, and awareness inclined with this, these people are still looked down on.*There are various types of mental illnesses: anxiety disorders, behavioral and emotional problems in children, bipolar affective disorder, depression, dissociation, and dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, paranoia, PTSD, psychosis, and schizophrenia are among them (Health Direct).* Anxiety disorders are the most
common mental illnesses among adolescents and high school students (WHO). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and stress about daily life occurrences for no apparent reason (Bhandari). This study summarizes the stigma and discrimination being experienced by adolescence in the present with the usage of narrative profile essays through fostering the acknowledgment of society. With this, The following questions are addressed: (1) What kind of stigma and discrimination do these teenagers with depression and/or an anxiety disorder experience? (2) How can the stigma and discrimination of mental illness be portrayed through the particularities of the narrative profile? (3) What techniques will be used for the narrative profile that may effectively portray lived experiences and raise awareness? This study acquired necessary results from the public or the interviewee, how they view mental illness, depression, and GAD, and
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stigma and discrimination hence, the researcher will not be providing in-depth information regarding other mental health illnesses such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and so on.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher is prohibited from gathering results through face-to-face meetings. Hence, the researcher will conduct data collection through virtual interviews to avoid any physical contact which may lead to health risks. The researcher will be focusing on depression and GAD. Those suffering from mental illness, particularly depression and GAD, are the study's primary beneficiaries.
This research could help point them in the right direction for overcoming the stigma and discrimination they are dealing with. Because a narrative profile will be studied and completed, it may serve as a voice for others who are suffering from the same condition and for those who do not understand their challenges. More knowledge will be gained and specific questions will be answered. This will also allow the public to be aware that stigma, prejudice, and discrimination happen. This study looks at a certain percentage of high school students who suffer from depression and GAD, and how the public may assist them to prevent it
2. THE PROCESS
The process began by researching the two most common mental illnesses in young adults which are Depression and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The researcher constructed interview questions. As for the structure of the interview, questions for the interviewees were made beforehand. The questions that the interviewees answered were focused on the topic and the study. Questions such as their experiences with their condition and the stigma that comes with it. Since the topic itself is considered highly sensitive, the researcher contacted a professional guidance counselor affiliated with De La Salle University to make sure that the questions prepared would not be considered offensive in any way possible. The suggestions and comments of the guidance counselor regarding the interview questions were taken into account. After revising the questions based on the comments of the counselor, the revised interview questions were sent to the counselor via email and were then approved.
The researcher posted inquiries in social media groups and group chats that are both affiliated and not affiliated with De La University-Manila in hopes to find potential interviewees who met the criteria. Two young adults that met the criteria agreed to participate in the interview. Prior to the interview
itself, since both interviewees were under the age of 18, a parental consent form was sent to them to be accomplished by a parent/guardian. Both interviewees managed to send the signed consent forms before their respective interview dates.
These sessions were expected to last for about twenty to forty minutes. As stated, The interview was semi-structured, there were questions provided by the researcher, however, the interviewees were allowed to go beyond what was asked for their liking. By sharing their experiences, an artwork, specifically a creative nonfiction essay, would contribute to the eradication of stigma. Because this will be published by many individuals who are suffering from the same sickness may be able to relate, this will serve as a public voice. A person who is currently suffering from or has previously suffered from this ailment may be able to provide answers to questions such as how the illness affects one’s life as a senior high school student. This imaginative essay should be able to provide more knowledge and health stigma, as well as why it should be abolished. The respective interviews took place on the agreed-upon dates. Both interviews lasted 30-40 minutes.
The recordings of each interview were then transcribed. The interviews were reviewed multiple times and analyzed to extract the most necessary details which are needed for the narrative profile essays. Two separate narrative profile essays were made per interviewee. Both narrative profiles’
introduction is complete, appealing, and presentable in order to capture the audience's attention; yet, the goal remains in the direction, and the audience must not be misled.
3. THE ARTWORK/ CREATIVE WORK
The degree to which the threat is actual or symbolic varies across health-related stigma. This narrative profile essay has the potential to reduce the stigma and discrimination connected with mental illness while also raising awareness among a much bigger audience. Given the possibility that stigma may cause harm and contribute to stress in the case of a person suffering from mental illness, the stigma associated with it should be eliminated. Stigma is a well-known global impediment to seeking medical assistance. This is influenced by a variety of elements, including the environment and society. The stigma attached to mental illness discourages people from seeking treatment and drives them to hide their pain. Along with this, stigma has a number of consequences, one of which is that fear and misunderstanding sometimes lead to prejudice against persons who suffer from mental illnesses or addictions. This is one of the primary reasons why people do not believe it is a severe health issue. People
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who are unable to cope with their circumstances have feelings of hopelessness and shame as a result of prejudice and discrimination, making diagnosis and therapy challenging. Given these consequences, the stigma associated with it should be lifted. A narrative profile essay by Jessica Smith will be used as one of the guides for the construction of the essay for this research. This is a good inspiration since the essay is well established, and the author also performed an interview that is relevant to the research being conducted.
Smith's narrative essay featured a framework as well, such as posing a question and then answering the question posed by the interviewee. Moreover, the intended results of this research are expected to help society, decreasing the stigma and discrimination. The researcher intends to find how these factors may cause the individual’s ability to deal with stigma and mental illness. The study's primary beneficiaries are those who suffer from mental illness, specifically depression and GAD. The research aims to show people who are suffering from mental illness that seeking help and treatment will always be an option for them, regardless of what society thinks. This will be their safe haven for dealing with their situation. This research could help point them in the right direction for overcoming the stigma and discrimination they are dealing with. Because a narrative profile will be studied and completed, it may serve as a voice for others who are suffering from the same condition and for those who do not understand their challenges. Because of other societal issues, mental health awareness is barely being raised (Friedrich), this study serves as a way to raise the public’s awareness.
More knowledge will be gained and specific questions will be answered. This will also allow the public to be aware that stigma, prejudice, and discrimination happen. This study looks at a certain percentage of high school students who suffer from depression and GAD, and how the public may assist them to prevent it. Lastly, the public may understand the problems further, and instead of adding to the stigma, they may help prevent it from happening.
4. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Above all, I would like to thank God almighty for guiding me throughout my research for this was successfully made with his blessings and grace.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my research adviser, Mr. Juan Miguel Moreno, and my research mentor, Ms. Jaimee Esteban, for giving me the opportunity to pursue this research paper and artwork. Mr. Moreno and Ms.
Esteban have helped me throughout the creation of this project for they have extended their helping hand to me whenever I need someone to consult. They also gave me points to improve which helped with the growth of the research itself. Their patience and sincerity have helped me with my motivation. I am thankful to be privileged enough to have been offered this research and art study for this has helped my growth as an individual.
5. WORKS CITED
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https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/a dolescent-mental-health. Accessed 25 January 2022.
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June 2017,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573565.
Kamenov, Kaloyan, et al. “Analysing Psychosocial
Difficulties in Depression: A Content Comparison between Systematic Literature Review and Patient Perspective.” BioMed Research International, vol.
2014, 2014, pp. 1–11. Crossref,
doi:10.1155/2014/319634.
Rössler, Wulf. “The stigma of mental disorders.” NCBI, 28
July 2016,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC50 07563/. Accessed 25 January 2022.
“Types of mental illness | healthdirect.” Healthdirect, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/types-of-mental-ill ness. Accessed 25 January 2022.
“What Is Mental Illness?” Web Starter Kit,
www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is- mental-illness. Accessed 10 Sept. 2021.
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