Question

why are negative attitudes or stereotypes associated with mental illness but not with physical illness?

Answer 1

The main reason for the negative attitude towards mental illness is the fact that human being ego and ID gives much importance to the mental health of an individual in society than his physical health. One of the special features which give an individual his identity in society is his cognition. Any sort of abnormal behavior shown by the individual is seen as a mental disorder by society and would isolate him forever. This isolation is further worsened by media at its best. Many happenings reported by media are found to wrongly link the abnormal behavior of an individual in relation to his mental illness. These wring pieces of information strengthens the confirmation bias to the already existing negative stereotypes of mental illness. Awareness to members of society regarding the same and interaction with real-life people having mental illness are the only ways to help one overcome this type of stereotype.