Why Is Going to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist Considered a Taboo?

“Health- State of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. 

                                                                                                                              - World Health Organization (WHO).

Visiting a mental healthcare  professional is considered a taboo ! Not just in India, it is prevalent in western countries as well. The stigma did not happen without a reason, Psychiatry has a long and violent history.The way doctors treated people with mental health issues; the various experiments conducted on those people (like lobotomy) scared the general population. The idea of going to a mental health professional is equated to the idea of going to an asylum (Which is not the case). So, it is not a surprise that public is repulsed by the idea of visiting psychologist or psychiatrist .

Nowadays things are changing slowly, but given the turbulent history of psychiatry & psychology it will definitely take time for the masses to change their perception. Misleading portrayal of psychological disorders in movies and books may also be reason behind the misconceptions around mental health. People should understand taking care of one’s health is not just limited to physical health, but also includes mental health.