Why It's Hard to Accept a Diagnosis of a Mental Disorder

In a society that demands a perfect body and a perfect mind, it is no surprise to understand why it's hard to accept a diagnosis of a mental disorder. The lack of knowledge people have about mental health leads to minimal support for those struggling with a mental health condition. This is a challenge for many young adults who receive a diagnosis in which they know little to nothing about. The stigma of mental illness and the treatment for mental health conditions are two main reasons why it's hard to accept a diagnosis of a mental disorder.

Stigma Makes It Hard to Accept Diagnosis of a Mental Disorder

The stigma of mental illness makes it hard to accept the diagnosis of a mental disorder. It is embedded into us from a young age that people with disorders such as bipolar, schizophrenia and major depression disorder are violent, weak and incapable of success. We are persuaded to believe that people with a mental health disorder appear and act a certain way. When diagnosed with this type of condition, it is hard to compare what you have heard about mental disorders to what you see in your reflection. As a young adult, you are susceptible to alienation from those around you. Many think that hiding from their disorder is the best thing to do.

A Mental Health Disorder Diagnosis Isn't the End: Treatment Requires Effort

Finding a proper treatment plan for any disorder or illness is no easy task. There is no quick fix for treating a mental health condition. It requires effort and potentially a lifestyle change for those diagnosed. This contributes to the reason why it's hard to accept a diagnosis of a mental disorder. It can be a longer process than most expect.

It requires a lot of attention in the beginning to find the proper treatment plan. As a young adult, you are focused on finding a career, finishing your education, building relationships and making plans for the future. When a mental health challenge arises and diagnosis is established, your health is low on the priority list. It is hard to accept a diagnosis of a mental disorder, however, treatment is necessary for long-term recovery.

Growing up, I believed that only monsters had mental disorders (Mental Illness and Violence: Shattering the Myths). The negative portrayal of mental disorders in the media made it hard to accept my diagnosis of bipolar 2 at a young age. When I was diagnosed, I could not look at my reflection and see the monster that society told me bipolar would turn me into. It was not until I was encouraged to get involved in the mental health community that I realized everything I thought about mental disorders was false and fabricated. Now I spend my time encouraging others to change their outlook on mental disorders.

The Moment I Accepted My Mental Disorder Diagnosis

Find Hannah on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram and on her blog.