Episode 7: The Stigma of Mental Illness

It’s all too common in the United States to view those who aren’t successful as simply too weak to handle life. This view is even more harsh for those who suffer from mental illness. Ancient stigmas passed down through generations convince us that life is just difficult and you either handle it or you don’t. Unfortunately for those people who suffer from a mental illness, their struggle isn’t the same as everyone else’s. Their own biology can actually prevent them from performing actions we take for granted every day. These diseases can sometimes respond very well to treatment, but only if those affected understand it’s ok to seek help. Creating an environment where seeking help is not only acceptable but encouraged is a key part of removing the age old stigma of mental illness.

Join hosts Shanti and Danny as they talk with special guest Erika Postma about where we stand as a society and how to move forward in the battle for a better world for the mentally ill on this heavy episode of Breaking Bad Science.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Counselor Text Number: 741741

American Psychiatric Society; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 2019. 

Rössler, W. The Stigma of Mental Disorders: A Millennia-long History of Social Exclusion and Prejudices. EMBO. 28-Jul-2016. 17:9 (1250 – 1253). Doi: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201643041

Faria, M.; Violence, Mental Illness, and the Brain – A Brief History of Psychosurgery: Part 1 – From Trephination to Lobotomy. Surgical Neurology International. 05-Apr-2013. 4:49. Doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/2152-7806.110146

Nestler, E., et. al.; Epigenetic Basis of Mental Illness. Neuroscientist. 08-Oct-2015. 22:5 (447 – 463). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858415608147