Ep 293: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

Roy Richard Grinker, author of Nobody's Normal, How Culture
Created the Stigma of Mental Illness, joins us to discuss the
cultural history of mental illness stigma and how parents can
create supportive environments for their teens to talk about
their mental health.


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that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
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Full Show Notes


Talking about mental health can often feel like walking on
eggshells. Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant
challenge in how comfortably and openly people address issues
surrounding mental illness. For parents of teens, understanding
and navigating this intricate subject is crucial to ensuring
their children feel supported and understood during such
formative years.


If we want to foster environments where teenagers feel safe
discussing their mental health struggles, we must first
understand the roots of the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Historically, mental health problems have been shrouded in shame
and secrecy, which has deeply embedded these stigmas into our
culture. But where did this stigma originate, and how can we
begin to dismantle it in our families?


To delve into this topic, we are joined by Roy Richard Grinker, a
professor of anthropology and international affairs at George
Washington University and the author of several insightful books,
including Unstrange Minds and his latest, Nobody's Normal, How
Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness. Richard brings a
unique perspective on how societal and cultural factors have
shaped our views on mental health.


In this episode, we explore the history of mental illness stigma,
examining why mental health issues have been viewed so
negatively. Richard explains how the intersection of culture,
historical events, and societal norms has contributed to this
pervasive problem. We learn about surprising instances from
history, like the unexpected origins of common breakfast foods
created to prevent masturbation, and how these reflect broader
societal attitudes towards mental health.


Changing Perspectives On Mental Illness


One of the eye-opening stories Richard shares is about a student
who described the best day of her freshman year as the day she
was diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis provided her validation
and understanding of her struggles, leading us to discuss how
diagnosis can both liberate individuals and unintentionally place
the burden solely on them, overlooking societal and environmental
factors.


Richard draws attention to the limitations of viewing mental
health issues through a purely biological lens without
considering the broader social context. He sheds light on the
"social model of disability," emphasizing that many challenges
attributed to personal failings are often exacerbated, if not
created, by societal structures and cultural expectations.


The Dual Illness of Mental Health Stigma


A crucial point raised in our conversation is the "double
illness" experienced by those with mental health issues. Not only
do they suffer from the symptoms of their condition, but they
also bear the additional weight of societal judgment and stigma.
Richard highlights sobering examples, such as politicians
avoiding therapy to not appear weak, which perpetuates the stigma
and discourages honesty about mental health struggles.


We also touch on historical perspectives, including how mental
health was perceived during slavery and the impact of differing
care models between the North and the South. These insights help
illustrate how cultural and systemic factors have long influenced
the treatment and perception of mental illness.


The Evolution of Mental Health Terminology


Our discussion then moves into how the terminology around mental
health has evolved, sometimes reflecting shifts in cultural
attitudes. From outdated terms like hysteria to more contemporary
ones like conversion disorder, we see how language both shapes
and is shaped by societal understanding.


Richard and I delve into the implications of more recent changes,
such as the removal of Asperger's syndrome from the American
Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual. He argues that these
changes are often driven more by cultural needs than by new
scientific discoveries.


Creating an Open Dialogue in Your Home


To conclude, we focus on practical steps parents can take to
create a supportive environment where their teens feel
comfortable discussing mental health issues. Richard emphasizes
the importance of normalizing these conversations and being
proactive in asking teens about their emotional well-being, just
as one would inquire about physical health.


In the Episode…


Richard's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to
understand and dismantle the stigma around mental illness. In
addition to the topics discussed above, we also cover:


- How wars have historically progressed mental health care


- The impact of societal norms on the perception of gender and
mental health


- Modern approaches to diagnosing and treating mental health
issues


- How historical and cultural contexts can influence mental
health labels and treatments


Richard’s book, Nobody's Normal, offers a profound look into how
culture shapes our understanding of mental health, and our
conversation provides practical advice for parents striving to
support their teens. Listen to the full episode for more!


Don’t forget to share and subscribe to Talking to Teens, and
we’ll see you next week!





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.