Mental Illness and the ‘Sick Role’

Mental illness, to me is a very interesting and complex topic. I feel that there are so many people at risk who are ignored and pushed into a corner until it is too late and real damage has been done.

As a young nursing student in my first year of university, and yet to be exposed to the mental health realm, I continue to be interested in social behaviours that can lead to or push someone into developing mental illness.

The belief that illness alone is a social deviance, as seen within Talcott Parson’s ‘Sick Role’  can add to the stereotypes of mental illness.

But the idea that someone’s mental illness, as a risk to society’s efficiency, is often believed due to the need and in turn, lack of cognitive functioning essential to life and society.

Having learnt only the basics of Nursing, I have discovered that within the Domains of Health, there is a Psychological domain – together with the other four essentials to the well being and potential care needed for each patient. Along with the psychological domain, cognitive development and overall cognitive responsiveness, all affect the type of care each person can (and should) receive.

The types of care received are also influenced by not only the individual themselves, but socio-cultural and politico-economic considerations. I see these two realms as bringing about inequalities that are brought about by the community, funding, and overall social stigmas.

This results in inequity in many parts of the community, especially the mentally ill, who need much care not only during present illnesses and rehabilitation, but to prevent the individual from recurring illness and care whilst being back in social life.