Sociology of Health: Social Construction of Illness, Bipolar Disorder and Social Factors Affecting Mental Illness

This report discusses the social construction of illness, bipolar disorder treatment, and social factors affecting mental illness. It covers sociological theories, the nature of bipolar disorder, and the impact of social factors on mental health.

Sociology of health

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
TASK 2...................................................................................................................................1
Nature of Bipolar disorder as opposed to physical illness.....................................................2
Bipolar disorder treatment......................................................................................................3
Social factors affecting mental illness....................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Health and social care is the defined as the aspect is the treatment of the ill health and
medical situation and condition in the hospital, health centre and in the community. Social care is
defined as the care and make the support which is well vulnerable for the people and usually for
the context to the community (Bambra, Lynch, and Smith, 2021). The major aim of the health
and social care is to keep the people healthy and provide them proper support and care which is
well sustainable for the public service. They have also aspect which may make the divisional
aspect which generally make the hospital care to keep the people with the healthier for the longer
in their community (Shiell, Hawe, and Kavanagh, 2020). In this report, the major of discussion is
based on the context of thee literature relating with the construction of the health and illness
which may show the particular context which is generally show the health and services. They
have also show the aspect which is well related with the construction of the health and illness. In
addition, the two sociological definition and relating the tow constructing theories which explain
the difference in health pattern. In addition, they also show the aspect which is well related with
the pattern of health (Cislaghi, and Heise, 2020).
MAIN BODY
TASK 2
The social construction of illness which is defined as the major research which is showing
the aspect of medical sociology. The article is usually focus on the context which is may show
the root of perspective and provide the aspect which is presented in order to provide the meaning
of their overarching constructionist finding (Pan and et. al., 2020). There are some of the illness
which is well related with the embedded with the cultural meaning which is not directly device
with the nature. In addition, all illness which is socially show the aspect which is constructed at
the experimental level that is based on the how individual come with the understanding which is
may provide the aspect which is well related with the living with their illness. Therefore, medical
knowledge which is usually illness and disease which not necessary which is hopefully given by
the term of nature but they are constructed and they usually develop by claim makers and
interested parties (Raphael, Bryant, and Rioux, 2019). In this, they central policy which is well
implemented by the claim which may provide the context which is showing the finding and
provide the direction for the policy relevant research which is well related with the social
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constructionist tradition. The social constructionism which may provide an important
counterpoint to medicine largely deterministic approach to disease and illness and may help
broaden policy deliberation and decision (Drouin, McDaniel, Pater, and Toscos, 2020).
There are some of the perspective that is showing the key terms for the basic sociological
perspective functionalism, Marxism, feminism, social action theory and postmodernism. The
functionalism used to provide the wider concept which is well related with the norms which is
normal, typical or expected pattern of behaviour which is associated with the social group and
context which is specific for the social roles (Meisner, 2021). In this, the values are well show
the context which is may provide the major and lasting idea and belief about the what is desirable
and undesirable. In addition, there are some of the context which may provide the aspect which
is well include the different religions and politics and family background. The socialisation also
used to provide the context which may show the process of learning which is related with the
norm and value that is related with the social group and community. The functionalism is well
show the important factor which may provide the maintenance of the social order
(Graupensperger and et. al., 2020).
There are two theories which is well related with the aspect of sociological contrast that is
consensus theory and conflict theory, under the consensus theory the absence of the conflict is
seen with the equilibrium state and with the health pattern, they used to promote equality among
the health (Logie and et. al., 2018). In addition to this, the Fairchild, the conflict in the term of
sociology raise the issue which is well related with the situation in which two or more humans
being or group used to prevent the actively threat each other purpose. In the context with the
health, they usually affect the health and raise the issue of health inequality and create the extend
of injury or destroying the others (Jacob and et. al., 2020).
Nature of Bipolar disorder as opposed to physical illness
Bipolar disorder basically is known as a manic depression which in general is a mental
sickness which brings up the highs and lows of the stage and moods also changes in sleep, and
thinking style and related behaviours. People having bipolar disorder also suffers from episodes
where they feel extreme happiness and overly sad and sometimes energised. Other periods of
feelings include feeling of sadness, hopeless and very slow moving or sluggish. Bipolar disorder
causes mood swings and many manic symptoms includes increased energy and extreme
excitements, some forms of impulsive behaviour which is unpredictable and the person might
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feel worthless at times. Low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts also affects their physical and
mental health. The person feels very low and lonely at times and the next moment they want
somebody to be with them. One can feel restless and they feel hard to make proper decisions.
One's memory may also be low. Bipolar disorder also affects one's power to fall and stay asleep
for hours without any break (Rowland and Marwaha, 2018) . Manic phases and stages is
generally meant that one need very little or no sleep. Depressive extreme episodes that results in
sleeping more or less than the normal sleep. Longer periods of feeling hopeless or helpless and
having low self-esteem can make an individual to feel nothing or numb in their day to day
lifestyle. There is an increased amount of energy, sometimes an inability to concentrate on the
work and inability to make simple decisions also degrade their work quality and ability to make
life efficient. There is change in sleeping patterns and eating habits.
Bipolar disorder treatment
Strongest risk factor related to bipolar disorder and depressive disorders is frequent ups
and downs of mood. There is a weaker risk factor also that affects the bipolar people and that is
for both emotional and mental health. Sometimes heart and cardiovascular conditions can be
fatal to the patient and that can cause extreme health issues with the patient. Suicidal thoughts are
major risk in bipolar. Risk associated with seasonal depression or anxiety disorders can also
affect the more of risks with bipolar disorder (Dome, Rihmer and Gonda, 2019). It is evident that
the most common bipolar is triggered by stress. Mania also brings risks that are related to poor
judgement on things and risk bearing capacity and followed by some aggression. This depression
also brings in notable risks such as suicidal behaviour, poor self-care and homicide. Mania and
depression brings risks related to misuse of different substances and disruption of relationships
be it with partner or other family members. Bipolar disorder is also characterized by some
symptoms which includes unusual shifts in mood and energy. The mood swings episodes can last
up to at least a week in the case of the mania. Symptoms of the manic highs can include
increased energy, racing of thoughts and fast speech and excessive talkativeness, and aggression
is at peak. Sadness and irritability may include some demoralized attitude towards their life,
social withdrawal also thoughts of death and extreme aggression on different individual. They
tend to be violence at times (Miller and Black 2020) . Manic and depressive episodes also co-
occur as a part of the same episodes of sufferings. There is a term called rapid cycling which is
used to describe the rapid shifts in mood that is from one moment to the next, but these pattern
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occurs when the patient has more than four or more clear-cut episodes of major depression or
mania. The period of that mood swings may range from days to months. Periods of high
depression or high stress can come from death of a loved one or the other traumatic event ever
happened in their lives. Female gender and their social discrimination can lead to high risk factor
of bipolar disorder. Prolonged medications also cause mood swings and extreme isolation in an
individual's life and their can lead to extreme risk factor resulting in mental traumas. Genetic and
family history of mood disorders can also be a risk factor for mental illness. Regular alcohol and
drug use is a major risk factor affecting the mental health of an individual. People who
experiences traumatic events and faced such situations ever are at higher risk for developing
bipolar disorder (Hansson, 2018). Childhood factors also can lead to mental illness. Childhood
sexual or physical abuse traumas, or death of a parent is a major risk factor and that can increase
the risk of bipolar disorder later in life. Negative life events and stressful life events are
associated with major mood swings in one's life and can be fatal to that individual. Childhood
traumas such as any road accident the child experienced any awful event or death of any close
member can leave a greater impact on the child and this takes time to heal which triggers the risk
of developing bipolar disorder. Experiencing of verbal abuse in childhood or adulthood is
comprised with a long lasting negative effect on the impact of bipolar disorder. Verbal abuse
associated with isolation is an early onset of bipolar disorder and this gets worse when the
trauma is at greater level. Falling in love, and breaking up with that [person also leads the person
into some major depression which is a great risk for the patient.
Social factors affecting mental illness
Social factors which can influence mental health includes their race, gender, class,
religion and peer networks (Vieta, 2018). Social economic status is also one factor that affects
the mental illness. Lack of information and knowledge, unemployment and less social support in
between their peers as well can access to mental illness in many ways (Plans, 2019). Poverty,
debts and social safety of an individual is very crucial and this is the base of the social factors of
the which leads to mental illness. The lack of money and productivity in life can impact the
health and therefore the care costs and followed by the stress due to inability to pay off the bills
is one such social factor of mental illness. Conflicts with peers and friends and family members
can also affect the mental health of an individual. Social isolation can lead to stress and then to
depression and feeling of loneliness in children or adults and in elderly too can lead to social
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factors affecting the mental health. Experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism is a
social factor. Social backgrounds such as attitude, behaviour among the peers and life chances in
an individual's can also be one such social factor of mental illness. Racial discrimination and
social exclusion adversely affects the early lives of an individual which includes poor education,
unemployment is one another main factor, underemployment also has the ability to affect the
social life of mental illness (Makwana, 2019). Job insecurity and inequality in income also
stresses socially. Poor access to sufficient healthy food and poor quality of housing can lead to
social factors of mental illness. Disabilities due to traumas, brain injuries and drug abuse can
directly affect the mental illness. And the contribution of poor physical health and self-esteem
with people not meeting their set goals can lead to social problems and factors affecting the life
of an individual leading to mental illness (Madsen, 2019). This also leads to unhappiness or even
depression in many cases. Social relationships also can be defined in one's ability to interact with
the ability to interact with the peers, neighbours and families and formation of healthy
relationships with others and less interaction and socialising less can lead to mental traumas and
feeling of loneliness in one's life. Social factors mainly affect physical, mental health and
enhances mortality risks in humans. Other social conditions such as interpersonal or family
related issues or some community related dynamics, quality of housing and therefore life living
styles can influence the mental health risks and their outcomes can be both positive as well as
negative. Homelessness is one such unaddressed mental health problems that is socialised and
the person feels inferior in front of others, this hence leads to mental trauma and mental illness.
Bullying can easily affect one's mental state and this is one main social factor. Basic needs such
as education, food, medicines, different job opportunities, transport conveyance and facilities,
social safety and social treatment in a society influences the mental health. Losing someone
who's very close to one individual is a major reason why people fall into mental traumas and the
inability to bear the sufferings lead to more of mental sickness (Alegría, 2018).
CONCLUSION
As per the above discussion, it is well analysed that the sociological theory usually shows
their bond with the social group and community in order to practice the effective social context.
In addition, the task covers the health pattern and their elaboration with the context of
sociological discussion. In this, the other task covers the specific disease which is bipolar
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disorder. The discussion is well show the context which is related with the sociological
perspective and definitions.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alegría, M., and et. al. , 2018. Social determinants of mental health: where we are and where we
need to go. Current psychiatry reports, 20(11), pp.1-13.
Bambra, C., Lynch, J. and Smith, K.E., 2021. The unequal pandemic: COVID-19 and health
inequalities. Policy Press.
Cislaghi, B. and Heise, L., 2020. Gender norms and social norms: differences, similarities and
why they matter in prevention science. Sociology of health & illness, 42(2), pp.407-422.
De Brier, N and et. al. 2020. Factors affecting mental health of health care workers during
coronavirus disease outbreaks (SARS, MERS & COVID-19): A rapid systematic
review. PloS one, 15(12), p.e0244052.
Dome, P., Rihmer, Z. and Gonda, X., 2019. Suicide risk in bipolar disorder: a brief
review. Medicina, 55(8), p.403.
Drouin, M., McDaniel, B.T., Pater, J. and Toscos, T., 2020. How parents and their children used
social media and technology at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and
associations with anxiety. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(11),
pp.727-736.
Graupensperger, S., Benson, A.J., Kilmer, J.R. and Evans, M.B., 2020. Social (un) distancing:
teammate interactions, athletic identity, and mental health of student-athletes during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Adolescent Health, 67(5), pp.662-670.
Hansson, C. and et. al. 2018. Risk factors for suicide in bipolar disorder: a cohort study of 12
850 patients. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 138(5), pp.456-463.
Jacob, L., Tully, M.A., Barnett, Y., Lopez-Sanchez, G.F., Butler, L., Schuch, F., López-Bueno,
R., McDermott, D., Firth, J., Grabovac, I. and Yakkundi, A., 2020. The relationship
between physical activity and mental health in a sample of the UK public: A cross-
sectional study during the implementation of COVID-19 social distancing
measures. Mental health and physical activity, 19, p.100345.
Logie, C.H., Wang, Y., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Wagner, A.C., Kaida, A., Conway, T., Webster,
K., de Pokomandy, A. and Loutfy, M.R., 2018. HIV-related stigma, racial discrimination,
and gender discrimination: Pathways to physical and mental health-related quality of life
among a national cohort of women living with HIV. Preventive medicine, 107, pp.36-44.
Madsen, K.R and et. al. 2019. Trends in social inequality in loneliness among adolescents 1991–
2014. Journal of Public Health, 41(2), pp.e133-e140.
Makwana, N., 2019. Disaster and its impact on mental health: A narrative review. Journal of
family medicine and primary care, 8(10), p.3090.
Meisner, B.A., 2021. Are you OK, Boomer? Intensification of ageism and intergenerational
tensions on social media amid COVID-19. Leisure Sciences, 43(1-2), pp.56-61.
Miller, J.N. and Black, D.W., 2020. Bipolar disorder and suicide: a review. Current psychiatry
reports, 22(2), pp.1-10.
Pan, D., Sze, S., Minhas, J.S., Bangash, M.N., Pareek, N., Divall, P., Williams, C.M., Oggioni,
M.R., Squire, I.B., Nellums, L.B. and Hanif, W., 2020. The impact of ethnicity on
clinical outcomes in COVID-19: a systematic review. EClinicalMedicine, 23, p.100404.
Plans, L and et. al. 2019. Association between completed suicide and bipolar disorder: a
systematic review of the literature. Journal of affective disorders, 242, pp.111-122.
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Raphael, D., Bryant, T. and Rioux, M. eds., 2019. Staying alive: Critical perspectives on health,
illness, and health care. Canadian Scholars.
Rowland, T.A. and Marwaha, S., 2018. Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar
disorder. Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 8(9), pp.251-269.
Shiell, A., Hawe, P. and Kavanagh, S., 2020. Evidence suggests a need to rethink social capital
and social capital interventions. Social science & medicine, 257, p.111930.
Vieta, E and et. al. 2018. Early intervention in bipolar disorder. American Journal of
Psychiatry, 175(5), pp.411-426.
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