Mental retardation is common in all parts of the world. It can occur because of various disorders in children and adults. Individuals with mental retardation tend to have faulty cognitive functions and impaired reasoning. Research has indicated that individuals who suffer from mental retardation have an intelligence quotient (IQ) of below 70 (Middle East Health Mag, 2011). Consequently, the interaction of individuals with mental retardation to their environment is affected. This has a direct impact on the way these individuals interact with the society. Many societies tend to treat mentally retarded individuals differently. This paper focuses on how the Arab world societies treat people with mental retardation.
Just like in most societies, individuals with mental retardation in the Arab world live with stigma, human right violation, and discrimination. However, the Arab World reports considerably lower rates of social stigmatization of people with mental retardation because of religious, family, and cultural set-up of societies in the Arab world. Since religion plays a major role in societies, most families seek divine intervention for the sick people rather than opting for medical treatment (Al-Krenaw and Graham, 2000). In the Arab world, mental illness tends to be associated with super natural powers. Therefore, Arab world societies do not discriminate or ostracize individuals with mental disorders because they believe that mental health challenges might come from possession of a person by the good genie spirit.
However, individuals who suffer from mental retardation also face discrimination and seclusion. For instance, Arabs believe that evil causes mental illnesses. They associate such illnesses with curses, sins committed, and evil spirits. People who suffer from mental retardation that Arabs consider to come from evil forces tend to suffer from social stigmatization. Research studies show that women who suffer from mental retardation in the Arab world suffer more than men with similar conditions do. This happens because of biological make-up of women and their position in the society (Informa Plc Company, 2012). Incidents have been reported on how mentally retarded individuals are found locked up in basements, abandoned, and even killed. Such cases show the perception of society with regard to mentally retarded individuals.
Despite the fact that most individuals with mental disorders face stigmatization and substandard care, there are groups dedicated to help them. For instance, governments in the Arab world have contributed greatly towards changing the situation of these individuals. They have allocated funds to cater for the mentally retarded people. In addition, these governments support mental research studies and have come up with acts to protect mentally retarded individuals. Activist groups have also been on the front line fighting for the rights and appropriate care for such people (Death Penalty WorldWide, 2011). People who play significant roles in helping sick individuals are family members. Family members ensure that their sick relatives get proper treatment and have a favorable environment. Traditional healers and doctors also work hard to ensure the well-being of mentally retarded individuals.
As compared to other societies, individuals with mental retardation in the Arab world are much better because of religious beliefs and cultures of the Arab world. They tend to associate mental illness with supernatural powers, curses, and abominations among other factors. However, mentally retarded individuals do not suffer so much may face various challenges such as social stigmatization, lack of treatment, and opportunities. With more studies, education, and awareness creation, the society can improve statuses of individuals who suffer from mental retardation in the Arab world.
References
Al-Krenaw, A., and Graham, J. (2000). Culturally Sensitive Social Work Practice with Arab Clients in Mental Health Settings. Web.
Death Penalty WorldWide. (2011). Mental Retardation. Web.
Informa Plc Company. (2012). ‘Social stigma’ still attached to mental health issues for Arab women . Web.
Middle East Health Mag. (2011). Mentally disabled children in the Middle East and their integration into society. Web.