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Explain what stigmatization of illness means. Choose a common illness and explain how it might be stigmatized for people of different cultures or social classes? 

Stigmatization of illness refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes surrounding certain health conditions, leading to discrimination and marginalization of individuals affected by those illnesses. (Croat Med,2007).  For example, let’s consider anxiety and  depression, a  mental health condition that affects many of us. In some cultures, there might be a stigma attached to mental health issues, viewing them as a sign of weakness, which is a misconception or stereotype possessed by many of the ignorant.  This is caused by fear of the unknown.  Most mental health issues are not visible,and this can cause discomfort for both the disabled, and the other party.  This stigma can lead to individuals being hesitant to report or seek help.  By addressing this mental health stigma, it will increase awareness, empathy and understanding within our communities.  We need to consider the fact that within our different social classes,we have different resources, and many of the low income families may not have adequate access to mental health services or educational materials regarding this.

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I think America has high obesity-related illness because of some major cultural shifts over the past several decades.  The US has in large part become a consumerist nation.  Many of the physical jobs such as factory work and agricultural work have been moved over seas, and the replacing jobs are often more sedentary in nature, like tech jobs.  Compounding this is that because of technological advancements, we live in an age of instant gratification.  Almost any desire you may have is either found online or available with expedited shipping, you can even be approved for financing online within minutes.  You no longer have to wait or plan or work towards rewards.  Why make lasagna from scratch when you can pop a frozen dinner in the microwave for a few minutes.  Generally everyone agrees fresh lasagna is better for you, and even better tasting, but the convenience of the frozen option wins out over and over.  Lower income nations don’t have the luxuries of microwaves and air-fryers, their food sources are more likely to be local to their community.  Even within the US, your socioeconomic status has a huge impact.  The upper class has more options to help them live healthier lifestyles, access to better food, more time to prepare healthier meals and work out.  People in lower income families do not necessarily have the same time available, and eating healthy can be Surprisingly expensive.