Stigma of Mental Health in Urban Communities Specifically Around Trauma
Research shows that serious mental illnesses are more common in urban areas. Although social isolation, poverty, and discrimination in the neighborhood all contribute to mental health problems, it is not known how these factors interact with the built environment. Empirical evidence has shown that mental health disorders sufferers are more likely to be stigmatized in society. Negative social experiences like rejection, marginalization, discrimination, and isolation due to trauma are caused by stigma. Stigma may impact someone's ability to access professional medical treatment. In addition to patients' family members and loved ones, stigma has also affected professionals working in mental healthcare settings. The world is home to more than half of its population, and there is an increasing trend toward urbanization. Living in cities comes with increased population density and traffic noise pollution. It also offers better access to medical care and other commodities.
Urban Social Spaces
There are many social risk factors for mental illness in cities.
- Concentrations of low socioeconomic standing
- Low social capital
- Social segregation
Urbanization is one significant health-relevant change humanity is experiencing and will be confronting in the future.
With increasing urbanization communities, more people have been exposed to risk factors that stem from the urban social (e.g., poverty) or their physical environment (e.g., Traffic noise can contribute to stress which in turn is detrimental to mental health.
It is common to have negative attitudes or beliefs about people with mental illnesses in the U.S., which can be especially strong in the Black community. One study revealed that 63% believe that a person with a mental disorder is a sign of weakness. People might feel embarrassed about their mental illnesses and worried that they could be discriminated against.
COVID-19 Pandemic Erupted
For decades the prevalence of mental conditions has remained roughly the same. However, this trend changed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. The corona virus 2019 (COVID-19), a significant public health concern, can harm mental wellbeing and increase the risk of developing mental illness.
Our findings indicated that urban residents experienced more mental health problems from the COVID-19 pandemic than residents in rural areas. First, metropolitan regions have a higher COVID-19 prevalence. This could increase vulnerability and susceptibility to the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic. Second, dense metropolitan populations may make the virus more likely to propagate. Third, loneliness and isolation may be risk factors for anxiety and depression.
- Take good care of your body
- Take care of yourself
- Connect with others
- Avoid discrimination and stigma
- Recognize what is expected and what is uncommon
- Receive help whenever you need it
Follow These Steps
As soon as symptoms of a mental health problem are noticed, the person should seek quality care. It is equally essential for them to be provided with culturally competent medical professionals.
Continue Your Self-Care Strategies
Your current strong feelings will fade once the pandemic has ended, but stress will not disappear entirely from your life after it ends. Keep practicing these self-care strategies to maintain your mental health, and help you cope with daily challenges.