Mental Illness does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender or socio-economic status. Many mental illnesses begin during childhood or the teenage years, the most impressionable years. As many as one in five Americans will experience a mental disorder during their lifetime! Along with mental illness has come fear and stigma. Stigma towards people with a mental illness has a detrimental effect on their recovery, the type of treatment and support they receive, and their acceptance in the community.
This "mark" is all too common. It is caused by a lack of understanding. The stigma surrounding mental illness is so strong and can only be weakened with knowledge. Withthe statistics of 1 in 5, it is likely that everyone will know someone with a mental disorder. It is a difficult subject to talk about but the more talking and learning that happens, the better off society will be. There are many illnesses that are treatable or manageable and with support from the community instead of rejection many more people could be living happy, productive lives.
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I am glad you see it the same way I do. The happiness and security that these people miss out on seems so unfair. Due to the high percentage of people who will have mental illness in their lives you would think as a society we would do a better job of accepting and treating it. Every family stands a good chance of having someone who will need treatment for mental illness. That hits very close to home for many.
As educators we will have a tremendous opportunity to make a diffence in the lives of many people who will seek our advice and counsel as they seek fair access to health care and work towards possessing mental health.
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