Final answer:
The process of medicalization is leading to a change in how society views mental health issues, from individual character flaws to treatable medical conditions. This transformative perspective emphasizes the importance of support and care, and challenges stigma associated with mental health disorders like schizophrenia and major depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which aspects of life previously considered bad or deviant are redefined as medical conditions needing treatment is known as medicalization. With the ongoing development of medicalization, society is growing to understand mental health issues not as personal failings but as diseases that require appropriate care and support, much like any other illness. This shift in perspective is essential, considering that mental disorders affect not just thought processes and emotions but also how individuals relate to others and manage daily life. Recognizing the complexity of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and major depression, is key to advocating for better treatment and reducing stigma associated with such conditions.
Historically, many conditions now accepted as natural variations of human behavior were once medicalized, highlighting the ever-evolving understanding of mental health in society. As we appreciate the cultural and systemic factors that influence mental healthcare, we begin to challenge previous notions of mental illness and recognize the necessity of accommodating all facets of mental wellbeing in our healthcare systems. This holistic and enlightened approach champions the rights and quality of life for the millions impacted by mental health conditions.