Stigma, Models of Mental Distress, and the Impact of Mental Ill Health

Assignment Brief

Please note that this case study should:

1. Analyse the causes of stigma and the impact of social exclusions and it’s effect on recovery for individuals with mental ill health.
2. Appraise a range of models used to explain mental distress and the conflict they generate.
3. Compare and contrast mental well-being, mental health and mental illness using cultural and historical perspectives to contextualise understanding.
4. Discuss the experiences and impact of mental disorders on individuals, carers, families and society

Sample Answer

Understanding Stigma, Models of Mental Distress, and the Impact of Mental Ill Health

Introduction

Mental health remains a central concern in contemporary healthcare, with individuals experiencing mental ill health often facing significant barriers to recovery due to stigma and social exclusion. These barriers are reinforced by cultural and historical constructions of mental illness, as well as the tensions between different explanatory models of mental distress. This essay will critically analyse the causes of stigma and its impact on recovery, appraise a range of models of mental distress, compare and contrast the concepts of mental well-being, mental health, and mental illness, and discuss the wider impact of mental disorders on individuals, carers, families, and society.

Causes of Stigma and the Impact of Social Exclusion

Stigma surrounding mental ill health often originates from misunderstanding, fear, and deeply rooted stereotypes. Historically, individuals with mental illness were labelled as “mad” or “dangerous,” leading to institutionalisation and marginalisation. Today, stigma persists through negative media portrayals and public misconceptions, for instance, the association of schizophrenia with violence despite evidence showing most individuals with the condition are non-violent (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).

Social exclusion occurs when individuals are denied opportunities for employment, education, and community participation because of their diagnosis. This exclusion undermines recovery, which is not only about symptom management but also about achieving a meaningful life in the community. For example, individuals with depression may avoid seeking employment due to fear of discrimination, creating a cycle of isolation and worsening mental health. Thus, stigma and exclusion delay recovery, reduce self-esteem, and contribute to poor quality of life.

Models of Mental Distress and the Conflicts They Generate

Various models are used to explain mental distress, each generating conflict in how mental health is understood and treated.

• The Medical Model views mental illness as a disease of the brain, emphasising diagnosis, classification (DSM/ICD), and treatment through medication. While it provides scientific credibility and treatment pathways, critics argue it reduces individuals to labels and neglects social and psychological contexts.

• The Psychological Model focuses on cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes. For instance, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interprets depression as arising from negative thought patterns. This model empowers individuals through self-management but can overlook biological vulnerabilities.

• The Social Model highlights the role of poverty, discrimination, and trauma in shaping mental health. It challenges the individualised approach of the medical model by locating distress within social inequalities.

• The Recovery Model emphasises hope, personal agency, and social inclusion, viewing recovery as an individual journey rather than simply symptom reduction.

The conflict arises because the medical model often dominates policy and practice, sometimes clashing with person-centred approaches such as the recovery model. Service users may resist biomedical explanations, preferring social or cultural interpretations of their distress.

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