Psychopathology and Mental Health: Personal Reflections
Psychopathology refers to the scientific study of mental disorders, which includes examining
their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Mental health, on the other hand, involves an
individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel,
and act, and also plays a critical role in handling stress, relationships, and decision-making.
To me, mental health represents a state of well-being where individuals can cope with the
normal stresses of life and function productively in society. Psychopathology, therefore,
looks at when this balance is disrupted and the individual experiences distress, impairment, or
deviance from societal norms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on atypical patterns
of thought, behavior, and emotion that may signal the presence of a mental disorder. The term
“abnormal” in this context often refers to behavior that deviates significantly from the norm,
causing distress or dysfunction. As highlighted in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders), abnormal behavior is often characterized by patterns that lead
to personal distress, social impairment, or harm to others (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). Cultural and societal norms significantly influence the determination of what is
considered "abnormal," and behaviors viewed as abnormal in one culture may be considered
normal in another (Gopalkrishnan, 2018).
In addition, abnormal psychology considers various factors such as biological, psychological,
and social influences that contribute to the development of mental disorders. The history of
psychopathology has evolved from viewing mental illness through a supernatural lens to a
more scientific understanding, as seen in the works of figures like Sigmund Freud and
modern clinical psychology (Bertolote, 2008). These developments have paved the way for
improved treatment and support systems, though challenges remain, particularly in terms of
stigma and cultural differences.
Personal Experience with Mental Illness
In my own experience, I have faced periods of anxiety and stress that impacted my mental
health. During particularly challenging moments, such as during exams or personal life
stressors, I experienced a sense of overwhelming pressure that often led to feelings of panic
and unease. These feelings were not always easy to explain, and I found myself withdrawing
from social interactions to cope. I also experienced self-doubt and negative thinking, which
made it harder to function at my best.
Initially, I didn’t fully understand what was happening. I thought my struggles were just part
of the normal stress that everyone experiences. It wasn’t until I began learning more about
mental health that I realized what I was experiencing could be related to anxiety (Pridmore,
2021). I also realized how mental illness, even something as common as anxiety, can be
stigmatized in society, leading individuals to feel ashamed of their struggles. Despite
understanding that mental health challenges are a common part of life, I still found it difficult
to openly discuss these issues with others.
This personal experience with mental health has taught me a great deal about the stigma that
surrounds mental illness. Even though mental health awareness has increased over the years,
there remains a sense of discomfort or hesitation in discussing mental health openly. I have
found that people often feel more comfortable discussing physical health issues, but mental
health concerns are still seen by some as a weakness or something to be hidden. This can
prevent people from seeking help when they need it most, making mental health issues even
harder to address (Corrigan & Watson, 2002).
Conclusion
The study of psychopathology and mental health is essential for creating a society that
supports mental well-being and promotes effective treatment for those affected by mental
disorders. Understanding abnormal psychology, coupled with reducing stigma, can pave the
way for more inclusive mental health services, better cultural awareness, and more accurate
diagnoses. As society becomes more aware of these issues, it is important to encourage
dialogue, empathy, and a deeper understanding of mental illness.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Bertolote, J. (2008). The roots of the concept of mental health. World Psychiatry, 7(2), 113-
116. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408392/
Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with
mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16-20.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1489832/
Gopalkrishnan, N. (2018). Cultural diversity and mental health: Considerations for policy and
practice. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 179.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00179/full
Pridmore, S. (2021). Chapter 1: Introduction to psychiatry. Download of psychiatry.
University of Tasmania.
