Mental Health Disorder OCD and Its Association with Medical Practitioners Amidst Prejudice
In a heartfelt blog post, a concerned author sheds light on the troubling issue of stigma towards individuals with brain disorders in healthcare settings.
The author, who has personal experience visiting healthcare providers with her son who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in addressing this stigma. She shares her worry that dedicated and caring professionals might not be trusted or approached by people due to bad experiences or preconceived notions.
Sadly, this is not an isolated concern. Other people have reported similar experiences of discrimination based on their mental health status in healthcare settings. In one instance, a healthcare provider, who was not the blogger's regular doctor, dismissed the blogger's physical complaints as being "all in her head" after seeing the medications listed on her records.
The author initially thought that fighting stigma began with education and awareness, but she realizes that healthcare professionals are already educated and aware. However, the impact of stigma on the trust and approach of these professionals by people with bad experiences or preconceived notions remains a cause for concern.
This discrimination and stigma are a major issue, with many individuals resorting to not reporting all their medications or lying about them due to fear of stigma. The fear of being judged or misunderstood prevents many from seeking help even when they desperately need it.
In Germany, while there is no specific organization exclusively dedicated to combating discrimination against people with brainstem diseases and OCD, discrimination and support issues related to neurological and psychological conditions are generally addressed by broader neurological, psychiatric, and mental health institutions and research centres.
The author never felt that any comments or actions taken were questionable during her son's healthcare visits. Yet, she emphasizes the need to continue advocating for those with OCD and other brain disorders. She questions what can be done to address the stigma towards individuals with brain disorders in healthcare settings.
The author's call to action is not without precedent. A reputable blogger has shared an experience of stigma encountered from a healthcare provider due to her brain disorder. Similarly, an email was received from someone who had a similar experience at an emergency room, where patients with known mental health issues were assigned different coloured hospital gowns.
As we strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society, it is crucial to ensure that those with brain disorders receive the care and respect they deserve in healthcare settings. The author's blog post serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done and the importance of continuing to advocate for change.
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