According to a story (free subscription required) from the Jerusalem Post about a facility, pscyhiatrist Michael Bunzel argues that stigma, based in religious teachings, is a deterrent to provision of treatment for emotional and behavioral disorders.
Stigma about emotional problems and concern over finding spouses were not unique to the haredi community, the American-born haredi psychiatrist said. He brought examples of research from southern India and China to prove it.
Professionals agree that psychiatric illnesses are in essence brain diseases – disorders that result from an imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as dopamine). But deep-seated cultural prejudices and fears caused discrimination against the emotionally disturbed, Bunzel said, adding: “It is not limited just to the haredi community, but to all sectors in Israel.”
Patients who are thus stigmatized feel shame, suffer from denial and are reluctant to get treatment, causing a vicious cycle.
Stigma due to emotional disturbance is such a powerful force that when new mothers from several Israeli cities were recently asked to take a simple 10-question screening test for postpartum depression, half of those from Bnei Brak refused to participate; in secular locations, only a negligible minority declined to answer the questions, Bunzel said. As such, many observant Jews who need treatment fall between the cracks because of shame.
Bunzel suggests that the matter of stigma be addressed in professional conferences. I agree, and I suggest that it also become a topic for clerics from any religion. Leaders speaking in temples, mosques, churches, and other sites should advocate for the treatment of individuals—especially children and youths—with emotional or behavioral disorders.
The stigma shouldn’t fall on the kids. It should adhere to those of us who fail to advocate for serving them.
I’m answering my own question, I suppose.
According to a story (free subscription required) from the Jerusalem Post about a facility, pscyhiatrist Michael Bunzel argues that stigma, based in religious teachings, is a deterrent to provision of treatment for emotional and behavioral disorders.
Bunzel suggests that the matter of stigma be addressed in professional conferences. I agree, and I suggest that it also become a topic for clerics from any religion. Leaders speaking in temples, mosques, churches, and other sites should advocate for the treatment of individuals—especially children and youths—with emotional or behavioral disorders.
The stigma shouldn’t fall on the kids. It should adhere to those of us who fail to advocate for serving them.