<
https://theconversation.com/the-worse-your-mental-health-problem-the-less-sympathy-you-get-why-274651>
"Some mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, have
become more accepted in society. People can now talk about them at work, at
home and online and often be met with understanding.
This change matters. It makes it easier to ask for help and harder for
employers and institutions to pretend mental health problems do not exist.
Public sympathy is uneven. Some conditions are widely understood, while others
are still judged harshly.
As some conditions become familiar, they set the template for what mental
illness is supposed to look like. Presentations that do not fit that picture
are more likely to be perceived differently.
The recent Baftas Tourette’s incident showed how quickly behaviour can be
moralised when it breaks a social rule.
Research on Tourette stigma finds public understanding is often limited and
stereotypes continue to shape how the condition is perceived. Tics can be
mistaken for deliberate misbehaviour, especially when they are seen as
offensive or involve taboo words or racial slurs.
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some personality disorders, including
borderline and narcissistic personality disorder, tend to attract less empathy
and more suspicion. A big part of the difference is familiarity, whether the
behaviour fits a story people already understand. When it does not uncertainty
can tip into fear."
Via Kenny Chaffin.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
