Lesson Two - Biases and Stereotypes of Mental Health
Introduction
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With the increased awareness of mental health, there has unfortunately been an increase with biases and stereotypes surrounding the topic.
According to dictionary.com, a bias is “unreasonably hostile feelings or opinions about a social group; prejudice”, and a stereotype is “a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group”. Putting these two definitions together, a person could have a very simplified idea of what mental health is and be unfairly opposed to the idea of mental health because of this simplified version of ideas.
According to dictionary.com, a bias is “unreasonably hostile feelings or opinions about a social group; prejudice”, and a stereotype is “a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group”. Putting these two definitions together, a person could have a very simplified idea of what mental health is and be unfairly opposed to the idea of mental health because of this simplified version of ideas.
Oftentimes, people are unaware that they have misinformation or a simplified or standardized version of thinking. Information mostly comes from the internet or social media, and few of these have been verified with credible people or institutions
for accuracy. Some information may look shocking and will be tempting to re-post on social media, but it is everyone’s duty to make sure that the material is true. Read this article about how the media sensationalizes mental health, and be more aware of the next time you want to share something health related.
Watch
Dr. Mike, who has a great opinion on the media and mental health!