IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1193 - Psychological illnesses may not be as obvious as physical disabilities
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Psychological illnesses may not be as obvious as physical disabilities or illnesses, nevertheless they are just as disabling in their own way. Society, however, is more accepting of those with physical than psychological illnesses or disabilities.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [Agreement]
More than one-tenth of the global population suffers from some sort of psychological issue and yet mental illness gets far less priority than it deserves. Minor psychological issues are often ignored by the family while severe cases are inappropriately treated only to tag them as madmen. There is no denying that mental illness, compared to physical diseases, does not get proper care and acceptance from society all around the world.
To begin with, the number of general hospitals and the specialist doctors and nurses devoted to treating diseases of our body is overwhelmingly higher than the healthcare centre and staff allocated for mental complexities. Someone just needs to walk a few blocks to notice a hospital in any city. However, this is not the case for clinics that deal with patients’ mental issues. This is huge discrimination when World Health Organization clearly outlines the number of patients who need psychotherapists, mental support and treatment for their psychological intricacies.
Moreover, societal views towards a physically sick child are different than an autistic child. When the parents openly discuss the sickness of the former one, the latter tries to hide their children. This raises a serious question of moral integrity and social norm towards people who need special care. Due to the astigmatism of our social and healthcare system, we have so many cases of mental issues which go untreated. When each county increases its budget to research deadly diseases, there is scarcely any budget allocation for preventing suicides. For instance, the USA allocate a lion's share of its budget for the healthcare sector, but there is no separate allocation for preventing self-destruction, as this is not considered an illness at all.
To conclude, the time has come for us to change the old dogma about psychological problems and understand that proper treatment for psychosocial patients is as much important as treating physically ill people.
Sample Answer 2: [Disagreement]
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way society views and treats those with psychological illnesses. Gone are the days when mental health issues were seen as taboo subjects or something to be ashamed of. Instead, people are now beginning to recognize the seriousness of such conditions and are more accepting of those who suffer from them. Therefore, I disagree with the notion that society is more accepting of those with physical illnesses than psychological illnesses.
One reason for this change in attitude is the increase in awareness campaigns and advocacy groups, which have helped to educate people on the realities of mental illness. Through social media, public service announcements, and other forms of outreach, individuals are now more informed and empathetic towards those struggling with psychological disorders. Moreover, celebrities and public figures have come forward to share their own experiences with mental health, further contributing to the normalization of such issues.
Another reason is the growing number of mental health professionals and resources available to those in need. Many organizations and institutions now offer counselling services, support groups, and other forms of treatment for those suffering from mental illness. This increased access to care has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding psychological disorders and has made it easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
In conclusion, while it is true that society has historically been more accepting of those with physical disabilities or illnesses, the tides are changing with regard to psychological illnesses. Through increased awareness, education, and access to care, people are beginning to view mental health issues with the seriousness they deserve. As such, it is essential to continue these efforts and promote a culture of empathy and understanding towards those who suffer from psychological illnesses.
Model Answer 3: [Agreement]
Mental illnesses can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in their daily life, yet they are often invisible and harder to understand than physical illnesses. This can lead to society being less accepting of people with psychological illnesses compared to those with physical issues, and this essay completely agrees with this view.
The invisibility of psychological illnesses does not make them any less real or severe. People with mental illnesses often struggle with daily tasks and may experience a great deal of pain and suffering. This invisibility can also make it difficult for individuals to receive the support and resources they need to manage their illnesses. Society's lack of understanding and acceptance can also lead to stigmatization and discrimination, further exacerbating the struggles of those with psychological illnesses. For instance, according to a recent article published in the Women's Health magazine, nine out of ten women - who suffer from mental illnesses, think of ending their life at some point. This is quite disturbing considering the high percentages of such cases.
Moreover, the number of hospitals, diagnostic centres, doctors and healthcare service providers that we have to treat our physical ailments is far greater than the number of psychologists or mental therapists we have. The discrimination is even more severe in poor and developing countries where people do not have adequate means to seek medical help when they are ill, let alone talk to a psychoanalyst about their mental issues. This discrimination clearly outlines the societal biases towards our physical illness than our physiological sufferings.
In conclusion, it is crucial to raise awareness and educate people about psychological illnesses while also offering mental help when needed. This can help to reduce the stigma and increase acceptance and understanding of mental problems as they are not less severe than physical sickness.
Model Answer 4: [Agreement]
In today's world, psychological illness is often regarded as impermissible that is often not discussed openly. Despite being equally debilitating, society has historically been more accepting of physical disabilities or illnesses than psychological ones. I strongly agree with this notion, as there are still significant gaps in the acceptance and understanding of psychological illnesses.
To begin with, there is still a great deal of stigma attached to mental health conditions in society. Many individuals who experience psychological issues are reluctant to seek help or discuss their struggles, fearing judgment or discrimination. This is due in part to a lack of awareness and understanding of mental health disorders, which has led to misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding them.
Furthermore, the resources and support available for individuals with physical disabilities or illnesses far outweigh those available for those with psychological conditions. There is still a lack of accessible and affordable mental health services, which means that many individuals struggling with psychological issues are left without adequate support.
Finally, the portrayal of psychological disorders in the media is often inaccurate and sensationalized. This can lead to further stigmatization and misconceptions about mental health issues, which can be harmful to individuals who are struggling with them. One example of inaccurate portrayal of psychological disorders in the media can be seen in the popular TV show "13 Reasons Why". The show depicts suicide as a revengeful act and portrays mental health issues in a very insensitive manner. Mental health professionals have criticized the show for glamorizing suicide and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about individuals with mental illnesses.
In conclusion, while there have been some positive steps towards addressing the stigma and lack of support for psychological illnesses, it is clear that society still has a long way to go in accepting and supporting those with mental health conditions. We must work towards greater awareness, education, and resources for those struggling with psychological issues, in order to bridge the gap between the acceptance of physical and psychological illnesses in our society.
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