1. Value and Dangers of Labeling Psychological Disorders
Labeling individuals with psychological disorders can help in understanding, treating, and providing support for their conditions. It allows professionals to identify symptoms and provide appropriate interventions. However, labeling also carries risks. It may lead to stigma, prejudice, and self-fulfilling prophecies, impacting an individual's self-esteem and opportunities. Labeling can overshadow individual uniqueness, focusing solely on symptoms and diagnoses rather than holistic understanding. In other words, labeling can become a person's identity (Peterson, 2017).
Peterson, T. (2017, June 12). Are Mental Illness Diagnostic Labels a Good Idea?, HealthyPlace.
Retrieved on 2023, November 23 from www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-
newsletter/are-mental-illness-diagnostic-labels-a-good-idea
2. Difficulty in Seeking Mental Health Support
Some individuals find it challenging to seek mental health support due to stigma, fear of judgment, or cultural beliefs. Seeking help for mental health issues often carries societal misconceptions, leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Conversely, seeking medical help for physical illnesses is more socially accepted and normalized, reducing barriers to seeking assistance.
3. Challenging Mental Disorder
As a counselor or teacher, working with individuals with severe conditions like schizophrenia might pose challenges. Schizophrenia often involves disruptions in thinking, perception, and behavior, making it difficult to establish rapport or communicate effectively (2023). Managing symptoms and offering support might require specialized training and resources.
Negative symptoms (2023):
loss of motivation (having trouble planning and sticking with activities),
loss of interest or enjoyment in daily activities (having trouble anticipating and feeling pleasure in everyday life),
withdrawal from social life (avoiding social interaction or interacting in socially awkward ways),
difficulty showing emotions (talking in a dull voice and showing limited facial expression),
difficulty functioning normally (having very low energy and spending a lot of time in passive activities. In extreme cases, a person might stop moving or talking for a while, which is a rare condition called catatonia).
This illness takes away all of the traits necessary for a child to interact, learn, and succeed in a classroom environment. Taking away these traits makes it difficult to be active and evolve which might make it difficult for the teacher too as they have to find new ways to interact with, motivate, and teach the child; all of which require extra special attention leading to neglect of other children in the class
“Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. The symptoms of schizophrenia can make it difficult to participate in usual, everyday activities, but effective treatments are available.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May). Schizophrenia. National Institute
of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
4. Signs of Suicidal Thoughts and Interventions
Signs indicating someone might be considering suicide include expressing hopelessness, talking about death, withdrawing from activities, giving away possessions, or sudden mood changes. If someone mentions self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to take them seriously, actively listen without judgment, offer support, and encourage seeking professional help. Engaging them in conversation, ensuring they're not alone, and connecting them with mental health resources or crisis hotlines can be lifesaving.