Views of Mental Illness, Treatment, and Stigma in the Orthodox Jewish Community

Abstract

Stigmatization of mental illness and treatment is associated with ostracization and avoidance which puts individuals and communities at risk primarily due to lack of care. People stigmatized due to mental illness may face extreme discrimination and difficulties integrating into vocation, housing, interpersonal aspects, and academic opportunities, among other problems. Although the stigma of mental illness is alive in many communities across the globe, religious communities may be particularly vulnerable to this stigma and stereotypes of mental illness. Due to the interconnectedness of religious communities and spiritual guidelines for health and healing, individuals with mental illness may resort to secrecy and underutilization of mental health services and resources in the community. Previous research has demonstrated this avoidance or underutilization of mental health treatment in Orthodox Jewish communities. The study’s main goal was to assess the views of community members through semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess opinions and perceptions of the stigma of mental illness in the community. Data analysis uncovered several important factors and barriers to discussing and seeking mental health care within the community. Some factors included social ramifications, religious and financial concerns as well as cognitive dissonance regarding stigma amongst participants. Data from this study also included participant recommendations for decreasing stigma, primarily through appropriate psychoeducation, and increasing available services in the community through proposed recommendations, as well as future directions.