THE STIGMAS OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE IMPACTS OF INTERNALIZATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Stigmas related to mental illnesses are perpetuated through time, presenting many negative consequences for individuals with mental disorders. Among the negative repercussions, the internalization process, through which the individual incorporates the negative aspects attributed to him/her into his/her behavior, presents serious consequences, compromising the treatment and the way in which the person with the mental disorder views the illness process. OBJECTIVE To review the literature regarding stigma surrounding mental illnesses, evaluating the negative consequences of the stigmatization process - and consequent internalization of stigma - in the life of individuals with mental disorders and rethinking public health strategies aimed at solving this problem. METHODS Six articles on the topic were chosen so that an analysis could be made of the common aspects related to the stigmas attributed to mental disorders and the main consequences arising from internalized stigmas, as well as an objective analysis of the theoretical and political positions on the topic "stigma of the disease mental" and the main consequences arising from this social ostracism. RESULT Although there is still a lack of projects that seek the social inclusion of mentally ill people, those that already exist have their effects conditioned by the cultural practices of the places where they are carried out. Thus highlighting the need to expand understanding of the topic and the areas where the subject is addressed. There is no doubt that the internalization of stigma is one of the main obstacles to treatment and one of the main factors aggravating the individual's mental condition. CONCLUSION Understanding the origins of stigmatization related to mental illnesses, seeking to reverse this process, constitutes the main challenge to minimize the impacts of internalization and to provide a more inclusive and prejudice-free approach to those with mental disorders, minimizing the marginalization of these patients and enabling more effective and humanized treatment.