One in three people with a diagnosable and treatable mental illness never seek help due to fear of judgment and isolation.
The stigma surrounding the subject of mental health has a large part to play in keeping many people from seeking the help they need.
The negativity and misunderstanding that surrounds mental illnesses can create fear and cause shame, which in turn causes unnecessary pain and confusion.
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http://www.bringchange2mind.org/
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For Mental Health Information call: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)
I write about the stigma of mental illness all the time. Sometimes it feels like it is an impossible task to change the way the world looks at mental illness. But, I want to try.
I am glad to find someone else willing to fight it with me.
Kris -
Sadly, it is difficult to try and change the way people view this. Even in the media… It seems that every time you hear about someone with a mental illness – they connect them with some horrible crime. Rarely, if ever do you hear about those who are living the best possible life they know how despite their circumstances.
It is worth fighting for!
Thank you for your comment.
~V.
I love your writing, just finished reading “Letter to My Kids” about your bath!!!
I am “new” at mental illness and am still not sure what exactly my son’s diagnosis is but he’s on Lithium and Risperadol and several other things.
How old is Nick?
Last week I completed the 12 week “Family to Family” course through NAMI. Have you heard of it?
I am all for fighting the stigma.
Hi Barbara!
Thank you for reading my blog and commenting!
As for your questions…
*My son Nick turned 14 earlier this year.
*YES! I have heard of the NAMI ‘Family to Family’ course. I’ve been told it’s an excellent source of support. Did you find it helpful?
Putting an end to the stigma of mental illness is very important to me. Too many times I feel as though my son is ‘discriminated’ against because he is ill. – Many people are…
Take care,
~V