Stigma is not something to push aside or ignore. Ignorance is the biggest problem. Don't let ignorance stand between you and helping others. Mental illness is a real thing, and it affects nearly a fourth of all Americans. That means, more than likely, someone you know has a mental illness. Does that make them dangerous? Does that make them incapable of functioning 'normally'? No. In fact, not only are those cases fairly rare, but they are usually treatable. If the person will seek help. Stigma often prevents that.
From the site linked above (emphases added):
- 20 percent of the ailments for which Americans seek a doctor's care are related to anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, that interfere with their ability to live normal lives.
- Some 8 million to 14 million Americans suffer from depression each year. As many as one in five Americans will suffer at least one episode of major depression during their lifetimes.
- About 12 million children under 18 suffer from mental disorders such as autism, depression and hyperactivity.
- Two million Americans suffer from schizophrenic disorders and 300,000 new cases occur each year.
- 15.4 million American adults and 4.6 million adolescents experience serious alcohol-related problems, and another 12.5 million suffer from drug abuse or dependence.
- Nearly one-fourth of the elderly who are labeled as senile actually suffer some form of mental illness that can be effectively treated.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.
"[A]s many as eight in ten people suffering from mental
illnesses can effectively return to normal, productive lives if they receive
appropriate treatment..."
We wouldn't blame someone for going to a doctor for trouble breathing, or a racing heart, or intense headaches, right? Why should it be any different when the cause is more psychologically based?
No comments:
Post a Comment