Mental illness is an issue that runs rampant in today’s world. According to the non-profit organization Mental Health America, one in five Americans will have a mental health condition that could be considered diagnosable in any given year. Assuming the population of this country is around 347 million, that means nearly 70 million Americans have a mental health condition. Due to the sheer number of people they affect, the phrase’ mental illness’ is one that everyone has heard and most claim to understand. Despite this, time and time again, mental illness is viewed as a stigma rather than what it truly is: a medical condition. When someone is sick, they don’t get made fun of; they get the help they need. So why, then, is mental illness not treated in the same manner? 

The question itself is simple, but the answer is far from it. There are many different approaches one could take to this question. Still, in the end, it really boils down to a single thing – the role of masculinity in today’s society, specifically regarding health. Any form of sickness is often looked upon as something that makes a person less masculine and more feminine, and in a world built on the ideology that men should always be stronger or better than women, conflict occurs. As time has passed, this idea has spread to women and men alike due to the patriarchal beliefs of American society. 

This external pressure is what leads to the stigma around mental illness we see today. When you’re physically sick, you aren’t able to do as many things as you would if you were healthy. To make fun of a person for that is considered immoral and downright rude. However, mental illness is an easy target, as it’s not something visible and, therefore, often overlooked. This makes it easier for the previously mentioned ideology to dig its claws into society. Even though in recent years the worldview surrounding masculinity has begun to change, it is not likely that this mindset will shift along with it, as it is deeply ingrained in the minds of American citizens. 

Although mental illness may be seen as something you should be ashamed of, it’s simply what was stated previously – a sickness. No one should feel bad about something they can’t control, especially if that something is already negatively affecting them. If you see someone who looks like they aren’t doing well, help them in any way you can; don’t belittle them. One small action can go a long way, helping the person in need while also making a step to change the negative perspective the patriarchy has given to mental illness.