Mental Illness
Beliefs and theories about mental illness vary greatly throughout the eyes of professionals. Many view mental illness as a serious condition, while others take it less seriously and see it as a part of everyday life. Although many think doctors are always right, they underestimate the influence and power these physicians exercise based upon their own personal views and ideas. Illustrated in the article, "Social Class, Ethnicity and Mental Illness," Ann Vander Stoep and Bruce Link try to show whether there is a relation between mental illness which is linked to ethnicity and people with diverse backgrounds. In contrast, there is the view of Elaine Schowalter who is skeptical about doctors diagnosing mental illness and in her essay, "Defining Hysteria," where she portrays her disbelief and doubts relating to hysteria. As a result, contradicting beliefs have lead to people being misdiagnosed and the mentally ill have suffered these negative consequences. Stoep and Link clearly show personal prejudices can lead to tainted results and answers impacting the mental health service policies. Because Jarvis was an accredited doctor with fifty- plus years experience, people were inclined to believe his data and theories about men
Again, the definition of hysteria is altered as these two mental conditions are added. These illnesses were recognized in the 1870s, but not much attention was paid to them, as they were not so common back then. Continually changing definitions created doubts in many minds, especially Elaine Schowalter's, "Hysteria is not a single, consistent, unified affliction like malaria or tuberculosis" (14). Apparently, Schowalter is not the only one who was skeptical. In the nineteenth century, there was limited research and information about mental illness as a disease; in fact, it was poorly understood by many, including doctors: "The definitions of mental health status used by Jarvis are less clear. ' In the lay and medical literature, insane persons were described as melancholic, maniacal, or simple mad" (1397). Another factor was Mass Hysteria, which included witchcraft and witch-hunts to relieve paranoia. People were and are being charged to hear verdicts about their symptoms that are not always correct. It is inevitable that our unconsciously held beliefs alter the conclusions, resulting in false evidence, a false perception of the truth and consistently changing definitions of mental illness. In a way, his judgment was somewhat impaired making it difficult for him to make a proper analysis. Bibliography Works CitedShowalter, Elaine. Most doctors based their facts on personal beliefs and were often endorsed by well-known organizations, "Influential diagnosticians have connections to institutions -clinics, hospitals, medical schools -which teach and promote their theories" (18).
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Acceptance Essays
