Erase the stigma of mental illness

Stigma: a mark of disgrace, shame, a stain on one’s reputation, according to the dictionary. May is Mental Health Awareness month and this is the perfect time to join the fight to eradicate the stigma of mental illness.

Stigma is one of the largest contributing factors which keep people with mental and emotional problems from seeking help. Words like psycho, schizo, nuts, crazy are things we all say easily whether in a joking manner or as a label. But it is hurtful and devalues our family member, friend, child, or neighbor who is suffering from mental illness.

These types of comments do not exist when a disability or illness is considered a medical illness. To many people the term “mental illness” may suggest that the condition is caused by your own choices and actions. It’s all in your head. Just get a job. You are weak or lazy. You get violent. Many people do not believe that recovery from mental illness is possible or that if a person does recover, they must not have been mentally ill in the first place. These are myths. These are easy out labels. These are disrespectful. These terms cause discrimination in housing, medical treatment, education and employment. As a person in recovery from mental illness, I have heard this many times. It negates my own struggle, determination, and resilience to become mentally and emotionally healthy.

A strong support network, proper treatment, and employment opportunities designed to meet the needs of persons with a mental illness are key to recover. We’re not talking cure. We are talking about people functioning at a person’s most productive level, finding rewarding activity, building health relationships. We are talking about finding hope.

This community is extremely fortunate to have many supportive and treatment options available to mentally and emotionally hurting people. Our community also has a great opportunity to fight the stigma of mental illness by participating in the “Run the Path” event on May 30 at 10 a.m. at the Lake Sacajawea Lions Island Covered Area. We all need to get behind the Mental Health Awareness podium and fight for equality and parity. There has been a lot of advancement in recent years. Society is beginning to change the face of mental illness. We need more. We can and do recover and go on to be productive, creative, and have healthy relationships.