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Stigma of Mental Illness Still WidespreadThe Importance of Building Awareness and Understanding About Mental Illness Mental illness can strike anyone! It knows no age limits, economic status, race, creed or color. During the course of a year, more than 54 million Americans are affected by one or more mental disorders. Medical science has made incredible progress over the last century in helping us understand, cure and eliminate the causes of many diseases including mental illnesses. Researchers have determined that many mental illnesses are probably the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances may be inherited, or may develop because of excessive stress or substance abuse. It is sometimes easy to forget that our brain, like all of our other organs, is vulnerable to disease. People with mental illnesses often exhibit many types of behaviors such as extreme sadness and irritability, and in more severe cases, they may also suffer from hallucinations and total withdrawal. Instead of receiving compassion and acceptance, people with mental illnesses may experience hostility, discrimination, and stigma. Why does stigma still exist? Unfortunately, the media is responsible for many of the misconceptions which persist about people with mental illnesses. Newspapers, in particular, often stress a history of mental illness in the backgrounds of people who commit crimes of violence. Comedians make fun of people with mental illnesses, using their disabilities as a source of humor. Also, national advertisers use stigmatizing images as promotional gimmicks to sell products. Ironically, the media also offers our best hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion. What Is A Mental Illness? A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person’s ability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional. With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and resume normal activities. Many mental illnesses are believed to have biological causes, just like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, but some mental disorders are caused by a person’s environment and experiences. The Five Major Catagories of Mental Illness: Anxiety Disorders Mood Disorders Schizophrenia Dementias Eating Disorders Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness: Myth: “Young people and children don’t suffer from mental health problems.” Fact: It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community. Myth: “People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions.” Fact: Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of supports, programs, and/or medications. Myth: “A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal.” Fact: People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes”, who has clinical depression, has received treatment and today leads an enriched and accomplished life. Myth: “Mentally ill persons are dangerous.” Fact: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. Myth: “People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but aren’t suited for really important or responsible positions.” Fact: People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation. How You Can Combat Stigma: Share your experience with mental illness. Your story can convey to others that having a mental illness is nothing to be embarrassed about. Help people with mental illness reenter society. Support their efforts to obtain housing and jobs. Respond to false statements about mental illness or people with mental illnesses. Many people have wrong and damaging ideas on the subject. Accurate facts and information may help change both their ideas and actions. For more information on how you can fight stigma: Mental Health Association in NC, Cape Fear Chapter National Mental Health Association Stigma Watch NAMI – Wilmington National Mental Health Information Center Information for this article was taken from the National Mental Health Association web site www.nmha.org home | provider database | mental health library | links & resources | donate | join provider database | contact us |
