Social Connection, Stigma and Mental Health Issues: Experiences of People with Mental Health Issues in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The widespread stigma associated with mental illness creates a veil of difficulties over the lives of individuals who experience it, creating barriers in a variety of domains such as work, education, livelihood and particularly concerning their capacity to sustain social ties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the disruption of social connections of persons with mental illness due to stigmatization. This qualitative research study was done in Colombo district, Western Province, Sri Lanka based on four major hospitals with psychiatric units. According to judgmental sampling method 4 psychiatrists were selected, whereas according to convenience sampling method 100 caretakers were selected. Therefore, the selected sample comprised of 104 individuals. The qualitative data was gathered by using in-depth interviews with the four psychiatrists, while quantitative data was gathered by using questionnaires filled by the 100 caretakers. Qualitative data was analyzed by the use of thematic analysis and quantitative data was evaluated through graphical representations such as bar graphs and pir charts by using Microsoft Excel. According to the findings of this research, the strength of family members works as a protective tool to reduce distress resulting from mental illnesses. Stigma directed by external society was identified as a factor that motivates self-stigma. However, the study identifies symptoms of mental illness to be another factor that leads to the impairment of social connections. The study highlights the significance of promoting awareness of mental illness as a means to reduce the process if stigma experienced by people with mental illness. The main objective of the research is to identify the possible impacts caused by social connections of persons with mental illness due to stigma in order to strengthen social ties, providing a potential path for the advancement of mental well-being.